Construction has begun on the refurbishment of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building, part of the Victorian government’s $1.7 billion transformation of Melbourne Arts Precinct.
The Theatres Building, originally designed Roy Grounds, is home to the State Theatre, Playhouse and Fairfax Studio, renowned for its illuminated spire.
NH Architecture and Snøhetta has designed the refurbishment of the arts spaces, adding new scenery lifts, a loading dock, green room, stage door, studio and function space, and a new western entrance to 18,000 square metres of added public parkland.
Reimagining of the Theatres Building.
Image:
NH Architecture
Arts Centre Melbourne Reimagining project director Chris King said the Theatres Building has “great bones” but deteriorating assets that no longer reflect the requirements of its users.
Respecting the original heritage architecture of Roy Grounds and interiors by John Truscott, the design will retain the heritage-listed design features while improving lighting, acoustics, accessibility, circulation and digital streaming technology.
The State Theatre will have dedicated wheelchair positions for the first time in the theatre’s history, serviced by two DDA-compliant lifts for greater accessibility. There will also be 68 new enhanced amenity seats with wider row and seat options.
Chair of the Arts Centre Melbourne Andrew Myer said that reimagining the Arts Centre is a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity. The transformation will be carried out in phases, with works on the Theatres Building expected to be completed by early 2023, preparing for major works to deliver the broader Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation.
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation is the largest cultural infrastructure project undertaken in the country, and will also include a new contemporary art gallery for the National Gallery of Victoria.
The State Theatre will close for auditorium and stage house refurbishment in 2024 and reopen in December 2026.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
