Upgrade works underway at City of Onkaparinga’s Hopgood Theatre

Work has begun on a major internal refurbishment of the Hopgood Theatre, with the $6 million project to breathe new life into the popular performing arts venue located at the Noarlunga Centre in the southern suburbs of Adelaide.

Work by TAFE SA to refurbish the theatre’s roof was completed this week, and the City of Onkaparinga is now commencing work on the building’s internal revitalisation.

Works will include flooring and new upgrades enhanced lighting and sound, improved bathrooms, a revamped front of house and bar, and superior backstage facilities - enhancing the experience for patrons and performers alike.

Advising that the upgrades will revitalise the venue, City of Onkaparinga Mayor, Moira Were stated “the Hopgood Theatre has been the home of performing arts in the south since 1985, and this project will ensure it continues to serve the community for decades to come.

“This refurbishment responds to community feedback and will result in a technologically superior and more modern theatre to help attract a broader range of performances and make for a more engaging audience experience.

“I can’t wait to see it open by the end of 2025 and to see the return of arts lovers, schools and local, national and international acts.”

The $6 million South Australian Government-funded refurbishment was announced in 2022 in a landmark deal that also saw the council take on management of the theatre under a 25-year lease agreement with TAFE SA.

The announcement followed a lengthy campaign by the local community and the council to save the venue after the South Australian Government announced plans to discontinue funding the theatre in 2019.

The 492-seat capacity venue is the largest theatre of its kind in suburban Adelaide, attracting thousands of attendees each year.

Images show concepts for the upgraded Hopgood Theatre. Credit: City of Onkaparinga.