ACT Budget: Canberra Theatre upgrade, convention centre plans to move ahead

Funding in the upcoming ACT Budget will support continuing work to put Canberra on the map as an entertainment and events destination.

It will lift the curtain on the next phase of the Canberra Theatre Centre redevelopment – seeking a contractor to construct the new 2000-seat Lyric Theatre and other elements – and progress planning for a new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre in Civic.

The ACT Government says that in July, a two-stage procurement process will begin to select a contractor to partner Major Projects Canberra in delivering the theatre project, with construction approvals for the redevelopment to be sought in 2025.

The Budget announcement comes more than a year after the government named Australian firm Architectus, Danish architects Henning Larsen and international theatre designer ARUP as the design partner consortium.

The new Lyric Theatre will come with a bigger stage so some of the larger productions that Canberra has been missing out on can be staged here.

The current theatre is also to be upgraded with the option of a flat-floor set-up so Canberra can also attract more mid-sized concerts.

Minister for the Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Tara Cheyne said the move towards the construction phase of the project was a critical milestone.

“It is exciting to see this project progress to this stage,” she said.

“As the centrepiece of the Civic and Cultural District, it is a city-shaping project – not just in physical presence but in what it will deliver for the arts, arts workers, our audiences, and our creative economy throughout all of Canberra.”

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the expanded Canberra Theatre Centre would enhance Civic as a live-entertainment and hospitality destination – leading to more jobs in the arts, hospitality, and construction.

In the south-east of the CBD, where the current Convention Centre and the Canberra Olympic Pool are, master planning will begin for the entertainment and events precinct, announced in April.

Concept designs are to be developed for an integrated convention and 7500-seat entertainment centre for live music, events and performances that the government says will fill a gap in the ACT’s indoor event facilities.

The government will also carry out site investigations and explore concept design options for a new pool and aquatic facilities in Commonwealth Park.

“The proposed new Convention and Entertainment Centre in Canberra’s CBD is a key, city-shaping project that will define the city centre,” Mr Barr said.

“Planning and design work to get the project investment ready is the next step outlined in the ACT Government’s infrastructure pipeline.

“The project is an important asset for our local tourism and business sector, while the Entertainment Centre will ensure that Canberra is a much more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment.”

Mr Barr said the government would continue to work with the Commonwealth under the National Capital Investment Framework and through the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program to progress infrastructure projects such as the Convention and Entertainment Centre.

The government is seeking a 50-50 funding arrangement for the convention centre project.

“These projects will provide opportunities for communities to come together and connect through the arts and events,” Mr Barr said.

“This contributes to our world-leading quality of life.”

The government did not say just how much it was spending on the two projects. There was a funding package involving multiple projects, a spokesperson said.