Deep underground works to upgrade and expand Arts Centre Melbourne’s Spire-topped Theatres Building have hit a key milestone as part of the Victorian Government’s Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. Excavation behind the Theatres Building is now complete, removing 15,644 cubic metres of earth to a depth of about 14 metres, roughly enough to fill six Olympic swimming pools.
The newly created basement footprint will allow a significant expansion of back-of-house capability. Plans include a larger loading dock that is twice the size of the current facility with two new scenery truck lifts, a new accessible stage door, and a flexible rehearsal space and studio that matches the State Theatre stage in size with an adjoining function room offering a view into the space. The extension increases the overall size of the Theatres Building by around 16 percent.
Essential works are also progressing inside the State Theatre, targeting accessibility, acoustics, theatre technology and audience comfort. Crews are replacing ageing anode wells in the cathodic protection system within the State Theatre construction zone to help safeguard the building’s foundations, alongside the creation of new and improved places to drink and dine. The Theatres Building turns 41 this October, with the State Theatre estimated to have welcomed more than 20 million audience members across its first four decades.
Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan AM said the upgrades will be felt on every production that comes through the venue.
Crews will be able to bring sets, costumes and equipment into the building more safely and efficiently, and performers will have a new rehearsal space right next to the State Theatre stage for the first time. The refurbishment will bring the State Theatre to 21st century standards, while restoring its heritage features for the next generation of artists and audiences
The works form part of the 1.7 billion dollar Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, a city-shaping program delivered by Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Creative Victoria and Development Victoria in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria and Arts Centre Melbourne. Across the life of the build, the wider project is expected to create 11,000 jobs while positioning the precinct for the next generation of artists and audiences.
