Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation Underway

Works have begun on Australia’s largest cultural infrastructure project, the Victorian Government’s A$1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation.

As part of this city-shaping project, Arts Centre Melbourne’s iconic Theatres Building (under the Spire) will undergo significant upgrades, including a major refurbishment of the State Theatre, important works on the building’s foundation and the addition of two food and beverage outlets.

Hoardings may be up and early works underway, but the show goes on and Arts Centre Melbourne continues to stage major productions across multiple venues.

In November, one of the largest productions of the year bumped in to the Theatres Building – The Phantom of the Opera. In the same week, Stage Door of that venue was relocated to a new level and demolition of the back deck started. This demolition makes way for an expanded Loading Dock four floors below ground, a new flexible rehearsal space and studio, and a new event space.

Construction works have been carefully scheduled around every rehearsal, tech run and performance to ensure there is no impact or disruption to performers and audiences.

Arts Centre Melbourne will remain open to the public throughout the precinct’s transformation; the State Theatre closing only during the period where works move inside the auditorium. These changes will elevate the acoustics, lighting, and amenities, and improve the venue’s accessibility.

When complete, Arts Centre Melbourne will sit among 18,000 square metres of new public green space, giving more seamless access into and throughout the precinct. The Transformation project also includes a new art gallery, The Fox: NGV Contemporary, adding another landmark attraction to what is set to be one of the great cultural precincts in the world.

Find out more about the Melbourne Arts Precinct here.

Behind the Theatres Building (under the Spire) significant works are underway as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation

Above-ground pipework has been installed behind the Theatres Building (under the Spire), to keep essential services running throughout the project, as the 18,000 square metres of public green space is built around the building

Once completed, there will be lots of improvements and new amenities – including a rehearsal space that is located nearby the stage (perfect for performers to warm up) and an event space with a view into the rehearsal space and studio. Render courtesy of NH Architecture.