Melbourne’s heritage-listed Comedy Theatre is set to be redeveloped with designs for a 23-storey tower by Architectus lodged with the Victorian government.
The Melbourne Comedy Theatre was built in 1928, but the site, on the corner of Lonsdale and Exhibition streets, has been home to entertainment venues since 1842. The venue was built as the replica of a Florentine palace with wrought-iron balconies, while the interiors follow a strong Spanish influence, which have both remained largely unchanged.
The venue is in need of refurbishment, and the expansion would be an opportunity to “bring one of Melbourne’s historical theatres into the 21st century,” the development application said.
Proposed Melbourne Comedy Theatre refurbishments.
Image: Architectus
The developer made a deal with the owner of the Melbourne Comedy Club for rights to the space in exchange for the improvement of the theatre’s back-of-house facilities.
The $211 million development would include the construction of a 23-storey office tower cantilevered above the rear of the theatre. The multi-level carpark on the north-eastern corner of the site would be demolished to make way for the new development. The rear of the theatre would also be knocked down and replaced by a larger stage on the podium levels connecting to the proposed office tower.
Designs include flexible shared space that can be used for rehearsals and performances at night and on weekends, and as offices and conference breakout rooms during the working week.
The City of Melbourne will assess the application, but the final decision will depend on planning minister Lizzie Blandthorn. Heritage overlays apply to the building at 240 Exhibition Street and the Comedy Theatre’s fly tower.
A final decision on the development application will be made by early next year.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
