EOI opens for operator of Melbourne circus facility

From early 2025, new lease arrangements with current tenant Circus Oz for Victoria’s state-of-the-art circus and physical theatre facility in Collingwood, will see the organisation take on a smaller footprint on site, paving the way for a new operator to run operations on the site.

The Victorian Government-owned creative space, co-located with the Collingwood Yards creative precinct, is Australia’s first purpose-built circus facility. Originally built in 2014, it occupies a transformed former factory and school building.

Through an open Expression of Interest (EOI) process the State Government is seeking an experienced operator to manage the 50 Perry Street site, ensuring Victoria’s vibrant circus and physical theatre sector can use the premises at affordable rates, and potentially the broader performing arts sector and local community.

The successful operator will be required to build a successful and enduring business model, provide equitable access to the site, support the participation and practice of First Peoples creative workers and organisations, and find ways to bring broader benefits to the circus and physical theatre sector.

It is expected that the new operator will commence in early 2025. While the EOI process is underway, Circus Oz will continue to manage bookings for spaces on site.

The EOI responds to Creative Australia’s recently released scan of Victoria’s circus and physical theatre sector. The scan identified access to affordable, purpose-built facilities as a critical need facing artists and organisations working in this field.

The 50 Perry Street, Collingwood, Expression of Interest (EOI) process is live now via the Victorian Government’s tenders website: