The Victorian government has announced it will allocate an additional $241 million to the now-$1.7 billion transformation of Melbourne’s arts precinct in Southbank.
The first stage of the project, the northern precinct transformation, which includes the refurbishment of the Theatre Building, will soon begin, with the tender to be released on 23 November.
NH Architecture and Snøhetta were appointed to design the refurbishment of the Roy Grounds designed Theatres Building in 2018. The refurbishment will be the most significant revamp of the State Theatre since it was originally built in 1984.
The upgrades will include improvements to accessibility, acoustics, back of house facilities as well as new rehearsal studios, two new loading docks, and an overhaul of its lighting and sound systems that will also enable live streams.
“Restoring this site to its original glory is a wonderful legacy for the people of Victoria and our new restaurants and bars will transform the visitor experience,” said Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer.
Proposed upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne designed by NH Architecture and Snøhetta.
Image:
Courtesy NH Architecture
There will also be two new restaurants and bars at the northern end of a new 18,000 square metre elevated park, designed by Hassell and So-il, that will become the central hub of the arts precinct. The space will host major festivals and public art and join together the existing buildings with the proposed NGV Contemporary, to be built at 1 City Road.
The upgrades to the Theatres building will also include a new western entrance onto the elevated park.
Victorian creative industries minister Danny Pearson said, “The vital works to the State Theatre will transform the building inside and out, making it more accessible and comfortable, and keeping it at the cutting edge of live performance venues in the country.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
