Expressions of Interest: Managing contractor for new theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre

The Queensland Government has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a managing contractor to oversee the development of the new $150 million theatre at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). 

The $150 million New Performing Arts Venue comprises a minimum 1,500 seat theatre at the Playhouse Green site, co-located with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

Design
In January 2019, the Queensland Government announced five shortlisted Principal Design Consultants following a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) late last year. The shortlisted design teams comprise a mix of leading local, national and international expertise and are listed below:

• Snøhetta and Blight Rayner Architecture
• Cox Architecture and AL_A
• ARM and m3architecture
• Richard Kirk Architects and Kerry Hill Architects
• Henning Larsen and Wilson Architects (Architects in Association)

Design teams participated in a six week competitive design tender process to prepare initial concept designs for the new theatre. This period has now closed.

It is anticipated the Principal Design Consultant and concept design will be announced in mid 2019.

​​​The design for the theatre within the Heritage Listed Queensland Cultural Centre, will be guided by the Conservation Management Plan, which was commissioned by Arts Queensland and developed by heritage consultants in 2017.​​​

In addition, an independent expert panel, with expertise in heritage, design, architecture, and theatre operation, will provide advice on the design and construction of the new theatre.

The project is being managed by the Department of Housing and Public Works’ Project Delivery team on behalf of QPAC and Arts Queensland.

Construction
The new theatre will be delivered using a two-staged managing contractor approach. This approach allows for early engagement of the Managing Contractor so they can manage and participate in the design process to optimise design of the new theatre and ensure value-for-money. It also allows early works to commence sooner than traditional design and construction approaches, reducing overall project timeframes.

The Queensland Government is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for managing contractor services for the new theatre.

EOIs can be made via the QTenders website from 10.00am 16 March 2019 until 2.00pm 8th April 2019.

All responses will be rigorously assessed against evaluation criteria including capability and capacity, relevant experience, local benefits and Best Practice Principles.

Participating managing contractors must be registered under the Prequalification System (PQC Rating of Level 3 or above) or be eligible to be prequalified prior to the award of the managing contractor tender.

More information on the whole-of-government central register of prequalified building consultants and contractors can be found at www.hpw.qld.gov.au/construction/PrequalificationBuildingSuppliers

Procurement for New Performing Arts Venue is in line with the Queensland Procurement Policy 2018.

Managing contractors shortlisted through the EOI process will be invited to submit tenders for construction and design services for the new theatre.

It is anticipated the successful Managing Contractor will be announced in mid-2019.

Click here to visit the project website

Inquiries can be made by email to: newvenue@arts.qld.gov.au

For more information go to the Queensland Tenders page at www.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders/