Project Updates

Stay up to date with major milestones on Arts Centre Melbourne’s Reimagining project

Victorian Government fast-tracks refurbishment

The Victorian Government has committed to fast-tracking Arts Centre Melbourne’s revitalisation – setting the scene for the first stages of construction works on the broader Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation (MAPT), bringing the total investment in the project to $1.7 billion and generating 11,000 jobs over the life of the build.

The additional investment of $241million will enable expanded works to the Theatres Building as well as the early works in the northern section of the precinct public realm.

Once completed, the MAPT will attract millions of additional visitors to Victoria and establish a vibrant new outdoor art and performance space in the heart of our city.

Upgrading our theatres

As a result of the new government funding, the much-loved and historic State Theatre auditorium will undergo the most significant refurbishment in its 40 years – bringing technology and amenities into the 21st century while maintaining its glorious heritage interior.

Performances will be enhanced with new innovative lighting and sound systems, digital projection upgrades and technology for live streaming and broadcast, which audiences will enjoy from newly refurbished and accessible seating.

Expanded back-of-house facilities – including new rehearsal spaces, green rooms and a redeveloped loading dock – will enable more performances and events to be delivered. These new facilities will help attract world-class performers to Melbourne and support our Resident Companies and local artists to create exceptional live performance.

The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation will create thousands of local jobs and cement Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s cultural destination.

Vital works will transform the State Theatre inside and out, making it more accessible and comfortable, while delivering the iconic venue to the cutting edge of live performance spaces in the country.

Building the new public realm

Two new restaurants and bars will be built on the northern end of the new 18,000sqm of public parkland – running from Hamer Hall to the new NGV Contemporary on Southbank Boulevard.

This new space will be a place for friends and family to meet, to host major events, support live performance and become a new hub for Melbourne’s cultural, artistic and community festivals.

Strengthening our foundations

Vital works will also be undertaken on the Theatres Building’s uniquely engineered cathodic protection system, which allows the building to extend six stories underground on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River). Replacement of the anodes that protect the building from corrosion is vital to ensure it remains stable, strong and secure for the next 40 years of its life.

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.