Adelaide’s Thebarton Theatre set for transformation

Plans for an $8 million upgrade of popular Adelaide live music venue the Thebarton Theatre have submitted to Planning SA are approved.

The plans, lodged by Masterplan, JPE Design Studio and venue owner West Torrens Council, show a new two storey lobby on the eastern side of the 2,000-seat theatre that will accommodate a new entry foyer, a lift and stair to the upper level and front-of-house amenities.

Other improvements will include a new loading dock, internal refurbishment, new joinery works to the bar and lounge areas, external painting and signage replacement and carpark works.

Set to revitalise the popular venue, improving its functionality and amenity, the upgrades represent a significant change of fortune for the theatre complex which in 2019 was facing demolition.

At the time, the South Australian Government planned to demolish the Thebarton Theatre and other local heritage buildings as part of a scheme to upgrade and widen the city’s South Road, with the venue to be compulsorily acquired as part of a planned Adelaide North-South Corridor road project.

The original theatre was constructed in 1928 and called Thebarton Town Hall.

It was designed by Kaberry and Chard, who designed more than 50 grand theatres around Australia (including the Enmore Theatre in Sydney).

According to its statement of heritage significance, Thebarton Theatre is “the most intact example of four theatres which remain in Australia … designed by Kaberry and Chard, Theatre Architects.”

The statement notes “architecturally, the complex is of major significance for its outstanding integrity and interior. It is an excellent example of the late Edwardian/early Art Deco transition period, being sensitively designed and showing great attention to detail

The $8 million project is funded by the West Torrens Council and the South Australian Government. If approved, the project is expected to be complete by 2025.

Image: The proposed additions to Thebarton Theatre by JPE Design Studio. Credit: JPE Design Studio/ City of West Torrens.