Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne
In April a significant milestone was reached in the Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation (MAPT), with the appointment of a head contractor, Lendlease as the provider of the Main Works package. This package of works includes Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building (under the Spire) as a major component of MAPT.
Lendlease are on site to manage the works on the Theatres Building’s significant upgrades – including restoration and enhancement of the heritage State Theatre auditorium. Technology at the theatre will be upgraded with new state-of-the-art lighting, sound system upgrades and broadcast infrastructure – bringing the creative icon into the 21st Century.
Improvements will be made to accessibility of the State Theatre, with the addition of new lifts and wheelchair positions in the Stalls, meaning that for the first-time wheelchair users will have choice from all three seating levels. The project is also increasing the numbers of enhanced amenity seating (with more space between rows) to aid mobility impaired patrons. Two new hospitality spaces will be built into the western and northern façades of the Theatres Building, giving more choice for pre- and post-theatre dining.
Further changes include:
- A new accessible Stage Door
- An expanded Loading Dock – doubling the size of our existing underground space, improving safety and efficiency when bumping-in performances
- A new, flexible Rehearsal Space and Studio, with an adjoining Function Room that gives a sneak peek inside. This rehearsal space will be right next to the State Theatre stage, meaning dancers can warm up near their performance space.