Community consultation opens for Canberra Theatre Centre project

Planning for the future expanded Canberra Theatre Centre is moving to the next stage with a community consultation expected to contribute to design development and help the design team to understand what people want from their live performance experiences.

The ACT Government’s 2022-23 Budget allocated a total of $28.44 million to revitalising Civic Square and the Canberra Theatre Centre. This is funding design work and extensive stakeholder and community consultation for the expanded Canberra Theatre Centre, which will include a new major theatre.

The international and local design consortium consists of Australian firm Architectus, Danish Architects Henning Larsen, and international theatre designers Arup.

The expanded Canberra Theatre Centre project, including the new 2,000 seat theatre, is intended to attract more performing artists and shows to Canberra, supporting the region’s economy and enhancing cultural life.

Design, consultation and approval processes will continue into 2024 and will inform planning for the project’s construction phase.

This consultation is an opportunity to contribute to the venue expansion and precinct development which is being designed to cater for audiences for the next 50+ years.

ACT Minister for the Arts, Tara Cheyne notes “The Canberra Theatre Centre transformation is a city shaping project that will bring us closer to our ambition for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s arts capital.

“We want to hear what matters most to people when they come to a live performance, what are their challenges, and what are their big ideas to create an iconic, vibrant and inclusive Canberra Theatre Centre where everyone feels welcome.”

The community consultation process is now open until Monday 20th November 2023.

Images. Early concept designs for Canberra Theatre Centre redevelopment. Credit: ACT Government