CONSTRUCTION has kicked off on the first upgrade to the Arts Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre since it was built almost 40 years ago, as part of the Victorian government’s $1.7 billion overhaul of the Melbourne Arts Precinct.
Lendlease has been selected to undertake the works as part of the Victorian government’s transformation of the precinct. The State Theatre upgrade will also create new places to drink and dine before or after a show and a new urban garden.
Around 80 workers are currently on site, which will grow to 300 in the next six months.
“The project will bring the theatre’s sound and staging technology up to world-class standards and vastly improve accessibility with wider aisles, bigger lifts and new wheelchair-friendly viewing positions,” the state government said.
An expanded underground loading dock will open up opportunities for more productions to be staged, and performers will be able to rehearse and warm up on-site at a new rehearsal space and studio that is the same size as the State Theatre stage.
The State Theatre is within the Theatres Building – which also includes Playhouse and Fairfax Studio – and most of which is underground; and sections of the specialist engineering system that protects the building’s foundation from corrosion will be replaced. Above ground, work will start on the foundations for the new public garden, about the size of the MCG, in the heart of the precinct.
The Arts Centre last year selected the Regent Theatre on Collins Street in the CBD as its alternative venue, but this would mean smaller productions. The State Theatre’s unavailability also means fewer operas and ballets.
The Arts Centre precinct transformation project, which also includes the construction of Australia’s biggest contemporary art and design gallery The Fox: NGV Contemporary, will create over 11,000 jobs.
“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,” said Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos, who visited the site to view the start of construction at the State Theatre.
“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.”
Member for Albert Park, Nina Taylor, said the project will deliver long-lasting benefits for local cafes, restaurants, hotels and retailers.
Lendlease apprentice Sam Fallon said, “As a proud born and bred Melburnian, working on a project of this significance and scale is an incredible opportunity. I am extremely excited to be a part of a team that has been entrusted to deliver Australia’s largest cultural infrastructure project for the community.”
