Work commences on Geelong Performing Arts Centre redevelopment

The $38.5 million redevelopment of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre - that will improve access, provide more rehearsal areas as well as increased community and creative spaces - is underway.

The region’s large dance community is set to be one of the big winners in the redevelopment, with four new studios to open. The redevelopment will also reveal the walls of the historic church, improve the visitor experience by providing two new foyers and a bar area, and introduce new spaces for use by creative practitioners and organisations.

Designed by international Melbourne-based architecture studio, HASSELL, the project has set out to redefine Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), its connection with the city of Geelong and its position as Victoria’s leading regional performing arts centre.

Award-winning builders Kane Constructions have been appointed to deliver the project which has been funded by the Victorian Government and philanthropic support.

With a new entrance and state-of-the-art dance and rehearsal studios, the redevelopment aims to ensure the centre becomes the Geelong Region’s creative hub and make Geelong even more attractive to new business, investors, tourists and residents.

The first stage of a Public Art Commission for the expanded venue attracted 64 submissions from acclaimed and emerging artists.

Thanks to additional funding support from the City of Greater Geelong, the concept development stage has featured with five artists, with each directed to develop their initial concept up to a final submission.

The Ryrie Street redevelopment follows a major overhaul of the 750-seat Playhouse Theatre, the much loved heart of GPAC, in 2010.

The redevelopment will ensure the centre becomes the Geelong Region’s creative hub and make Geelong even more attractive to new business, investors, tourists and residents.

Image: Design for stage two of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre by Hassell. Courtesy of Hassell.

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