A concept image of the proposed lyric theatre, which will offer a first-class audience experience. Image: ACT Government.
The Canberra Theatre redevelopment project has moved to the next phase, with an experienced and qualified contractor being sought to build this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.
The ACT Government has issued a two-stage expression of interest request to the construction industry to partner with Major Projects Canberra and the Cultural Facilities Corporation on the project, which includes a new 2000-seat lyric theatre.
Submissions will be assessed, and companies shortlisted for the project will then be invited to respond to a request for tender.
The government is aiming to select a contractor early next year under an early contractor involvement model. It hopes to award the contract in July 2025.
The successful tenderer will work with the project’s design partner, led by Architectus, Henning Larsen, and international theatre designer Arup, which has developed the concept into a reference design at the preliminary sketch plan level since being appointed in May last year.
Stage 1, the new lyric theatre, will cater for large-scale performances, including ballet, opera and musicals. It is expected that productions that would have passed over Canberra before will now come to the national capital.
The EOI document says the project will include the construction of a secure loading dock on Theatre Lane covered by a new land bridge with an active frontage on Vernon Circle.
Back-of-house facilities will be modernised and connections with existing venues will be improved.
Stage Two of the Canberra Theatre redevelopment project will include refurbishment of the existing Canberra Theatre and Playhouse, the construction of a new Link space between the two and also from Civic Square to City Hill, and a new 300-seat Studio Theatre.
These works are subject to future government approvals.
Arts Minister Tara Cheyne: “This is a city-shaping project—not just in physical presence but in what it will deliver for the arts.” Image: ACT Government.
The lyric theatre project and future stages of the Canberra Theatre redevelopment will form the centrepiece of the Canberra Civic and Cultural District (CCCD).
The EOI document says the new multi-level building will aim for a 5 or 6-star Green Star Building rating to meet contemporary energy efficiency standards, be all-electric and fully accessible for people with a disability.
It says all venues will be technically capable of staging today’s and future productions, and meet the ongoing needs of audiences, artists and production companies.
The lyric theatre aims to deliver a first-class audience experience in terms of seating, sightlines, acoustics and access, and be flexible in its capacity, ranging from 1200 to 1500 to 2000 seats.
It will have a large rehearsal room, an orchestra pit for larger and small orchestras, automated technical systems, recording and broadcasting technology, efficient back-of-house areas and connections with the new loading dock.
The document says a panoramic foyer will wrap around all levels providing views across the city and host patron amenities, including cloaking, bathrooms, box office and multiple bar and dining options.
The theatre redevelopment will need to be approved by the National Capital Authority, and a works approval submission has been drafted based on the current reference design for both Stage One and Stage Two.
The selected contractor will adapt this draft works approval submission when seeking NCA approval.
The City Renewal Authority is also developing the CCCD Masterplan, which will support the works approval submission for the project.
Arts Minister Tara Cheyne said a renewed theatre centre would enable the ACT to attract world-class performances that Canberrans currently had to spend a lot of money on travel and accommodation to see.
“This 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,” she said.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the revitalisation of the theatre centre would enhance the city centre as a lively destination for entertainment and dining, day and night, as the centrepiece of the Canberra Civic and Cultural District.
“It will strengthen our economy by attracting cultural tourism to Canberra and create more jobs in the arts, hospitality and construction sectors,” he said.
The EOI process closes on 13 August, and a shortlist is expected to be announced in September.
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