Bendigo's Ulumbarra Theatre gets grand opening

A $25.8 million project to turn Bendigo’s once notorious jail into a performing arts hub has been completed with the Ulumbarra Theatre opening on Friday (17th April).

Developed on the site of the former Sandhurst, later Bendigo, jail the adaptive reuse of the unique heritage site now offers:

• A new state-of-the-art 1,000 seat theatre with a fully equipped fly tower 
• Music, dance and drama studios 
• Learning kitchens 
• General learning areas 
• Outdoor alfresco area for Bendigo Senior Secondary College students.

Backed by the Federal and Victorian Government along with the City of Greater Bendigo, the development represents a key part of a long-term strategy to develop the arts as a driver of economic activity in Bendigo.

A striking mix of contemporary and Victorian era architecture, one of the jail's former cellblocks has become a signature entrance hall to the theatre.

After picking up their tickets, theatregoers will walk under the gangway where the prison's three hangings took place.

The newly constructed part of Ulumbarra - the auditorium and lobby - were designed to reflect the design of the prison.

Theatre Manager David Lloyd told the ABC “the marrying of the old and the new is a real triumph I think.

"The architects have done a fantastic job of celebrating that heritage and history, but also giving us a great modern building."

Window and acoustic installations reflect the look of the old prison, while the jewel in Ulumbarra's crown is its stage.

Its size rivals those of major theatres in the capital cities and will allow major productions to visit Bendigo for the first time.

In addition, students from the Bendigo Senior Secondary College, which shares the site, will use the venue for assemblies, graduations and speech nights as well as specially designed drama, music and dance studios.

Other educational institutions, such as La Trobe University, Bendigo Regional TAFE and Monash University are expected to use the complex for public lectures, graduations, ceremonies and conferences.

As for the broader public, theatrical events ranging from local amateur shows to major touring productions will go on stage at the new venue.

The venue has staged a series of pre-opening events prior to its grand opening on Friday while a ‘Place for People’ open day, with continuous entertainment, pop-up stages, children's shows, local markets and food vans in being held today (Sunday 19th April).

The word Ulumbarra means ‘gather together’ and ‘meeting place’ in the language of the Dja local Dja Wurrung people.

13th February 2015 - ENTA PARTNERS WITH CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO

21st August 2012 - PLANS APPROVED FOR BENDIGO JAIL TO BECOME A THEATRE