Lendlease appointed as builder for next stage of Geelong Arts Centre Redevelopment

With the Geelong Arts Centre’s $38.5 million Ryrie Street Redevelopment now open, the Victorian Government has appointed property company Lendlease to deliver the next $128 million Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street Redevelopment.

The Redevelopment is funded by the Government and will transform the existing building – providing new performance venues, vibrant new indoor and outdoor areas, dining options, box office and front and back of house facilities.

Designed by award-winning Victorian architects ARM, it is set to be another striking addition to Geelong’s cultural landscape, furthering the city’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Design.

The project design is being informed by the guidance of the Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung people, to ensure that their history, culture and connected to the site are clearly reflected in the new centre.

Lendlease has delivered a number of major cultural projects throughout Australia, including Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, the Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company, and University of Melbourne’s Ian Potter Southbank Centre.

The project will now start a period of investigation and planning to further develop the design and plan construction. Works are scheduled to get under way on site in late 2020 and the new centre is expected to open by 2023.

Lendlease’s ‘Geelong First’ commitment will put local partnerships, skills and innovation at the heart of the project and will ensure local suppliers and tradespeople, including social enterprises, are invited to tender on works packages throughout construction.

The company will participate in the GROW initiative that works to reduce unemployment and promote the social prosperity of the region.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley notes “Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street transformation will bring new jobs, economic activity and opportunities to the region – during its construction phase and beyond.”

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens advised “this project is a game-changer for the Geelong Arts Centre and the cultural life of our region. More than that, it’s a boon for our economy and for local jobs.”

With Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville adding that "as we recover and rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19, Geelong Arts Centre's role will be more important than ever. This redevelopment will open up new experiences, new world-class facilities and new opportunities for our region."

For further information regarding Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street Redevelopment, visit development.vic.gov.au/GAC.