Major upgrades commence at Arts Centre Melbourne

The first upgrade to Arts Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre since it was built almost 40 years ago has commenced with the selection of head contactor Lendlease as the provider of the main works package that aims to revitalise the heritage-listed landmark venue.

With around 80 workers currently on site, that will grow to 300 in the next six months, Lendlease will undertake the first stage of the Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation, upgrading of the performing arts venue while also creating new places to drink and dine before or after events.

Works include the restoration and enhancement of the heritage State Theatre auditorium including new seating, flooring and other air conditioning improvements for audience comfort. Technology at the theatre will be upgraded with contemporary lighting, sound system upgrades and broadcast infrastructure.

Improvements will be made to accessibility of the State Theatre, with the addition of new lifts and wheelchair positions in the Stalls, meaning that for the first-time wheelchair users will have choice from all three seating levels. The project is also increasing the numbers of enhanced amenity seating (with more space between rows) to aid mobility impaired patrons. Two new hospitality spaces will be built into the western and northern façades of the Theatres Building, giving more choice for pre- and post-theatre dining.

Back-of-house improvements include an expanded underground Loading Dock, effectively doubling its current size, giving the potential for more shows to be staged, with greater efficiency in bumping in (and bumping out) productions. A new rehearsal space and studio, built to the same dimensions as the stage, will allow performers to rehearse and warm up right next to the stage for the first time

An expanded underground loading dock will open up opportunities for more productions to be staged and a new rehearsal space and studio, the same size as the State Theatre stage, will allow performers to rehearse and warm up on site for the first time.

Most of the Theatres building is underground and sections of the specialist engineering system that protects the building’s foundation from corrosion will be replaced, safeguarding the building’s future.

The Transformation project, which also includes the construction of Australia’s biggest contemporary art and design gallery The Fox: NGV Contemporary Above ground, will also see foundations constructed for the new public garden in the heart of the precinct.

Visiting the site yesterday, Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Steve Dimopoulos advised “the Melbourne Arts Centre Precinct transformation will not only ensure we bring the biggest and best creative offerings to Victoria but it will also create hundreds of jobs for Victorian tradies to work on this iconic project.

“We understand how important the creative industries are to Victoria’s economy - that’s why we’re backing local workers to build the most prestigious home of fine art and culture in Australia.”

Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive, Karen Quinlan added “Arts Centre Melbourne is a much-loved institution and destination, with a rich history and legacy; these upgrades to the Theatres Building are a major step forward in our reimagining, to ensure we are fit-for-purpose for presenters and audiences alike for the next 40 years.

“Since opening, the State Theatre has seen an estimated 12,000 performances on its stage   witnessed by more than 12 million Victorians and visitors. I am honoured to be part of the transformation of the entire Melbourne Arts Precinct, ensuring that our role, as an inclusive gathering place for the community is maintained and leveraged for a new generation.”

Since the first curtain call in 1984, Arts Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre stage has been graced by the likes of Prince, Anthony Warlow and Kylie Minogue - entertaining hundreds of thousands of theatre goers in its near 40 year history.

Arts Centre Melbourne remains open during works which are due to be completed in 2027.

Images: Concepts for the redevelopment of the State Theatre as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation (top and below) and stakeholders -  including Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Steve Dimopoulos (second from right) and Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive, Karen Quinlan (far right) - on site for yesterdays' announcement (below).