Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s Redevelopment Plans
Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s ambitious redevelopment plans are on-track following the recent State Budget allocation of A$128 million funding.
The centre’s CEO Joel McGuinness welcomed the Budget announcement giving the green light for the third and most ambitious stage of the centre’s redevelopment.
Joel McGuinness CEO Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Lesley Always Chair Trust Geelong Performing Arts Centre
(Photo credit: Ferne Millen Photography)
The next stage will completely transform the existing building facing Little Malop Street (the current main entry to Geelong Performing Arts Centre). It will include a new 500-seat drama theatre, new 250-seat courtyard theatre, a black box theatre, an outdoor atrium, more dining options, an upgraded box office and refurbished back of house and administration facilities.
“This is truly an exciting time of rejuvenation in Geelong. The realisation of Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s masterplan will ensure we are able to continue to attract the best artists from around the world, nurture our own talent and provide an opportunity for our community to shine,” he said.
“A clever and creative city the size and vibrancy of Geelong requires cultural assets to match the growing and changing needs of the community – I’m thrilled that we now have the opportunity to make this happen.”
The Little Malop Street redevelopment will create around 600 construction jobs and more than 300 ongoing local jobs in the tourism and service industries. Work will start in 2020 – following on from the current Ryrie Street redevelopment – and be completed by 2023.
Render Geelong Performing Arts Centre Ryrie St Redevelopment (Photo credit: Hassel Studios)
The Geelong Performing Arts Centre Trust identified more than a decade ago that the current building was nearing the end of its design life and has worked tirelessly to secure government support to rebuild the centre in a multi-staged approach.
The first stage of redevelopment was the A$3 million refurbishment of the Playhouse Theatre completed in 2010. The second stage is the current A$38.5 million Ryrie Street redevelopment, on-track for completion later this year.
The Ryrie Street works include a striking new entrance, new foyer areas, dance/rehearsal studios, improved access to the Playhouse and a new creative industries floor that will support local artists to develop and perform their work.
As the current building redevelopment reaches fruition and the spaces are activated, the region’s creative capability and reputation are set to grow.
Geelong Performing Arts Centre Audience
The new Geelong Performing Arts Centre will not only be the home of great shows, but will also be a thriving work and play space for artists exploring new ideas and building new collaborative relationships. For artists, this is likely to be a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
With funding now secured for the Little Malop Street stage, Geelong Performing Arts Centre is well on the way to fully realising its visionary masterplan.
Click here to visit Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s website.