Melbourne’s iconic Arts Centre Theatres Building is digging deep, quite literally, as part of the city-shaping Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. The project has just reached a major milestone with the completion of its underground excavation.
Enough to fill six Olympic swimming pools, 15,644m³ of earth has been removed, reaching 14 metres below ground and creating additional space that will expand the Theatres Building by around 16 per cent.
The new basement will house an expanded loading dock – twice the size of the current dock – with two new scenery truck lifts, allowing crews to bring sets, costumes and equipment into the building more safely and efficiently.
A flexible rehearsal space and studio, the same size as the State Theatre stage, has been added alongside a function room offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse. The works also include a new accessible stage door, and upgrades to audience amenities, including new and improved places to drink and dine.
The project complements essential State Theatre upgrades, including improved accessibility, acoustics, theatre technology, and the replacement of ageing anode wells to safeguard the building’s foundations.
Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan AM said, “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 audience,” she said.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks highlighted the significance of the works: “This major infrastructure project will further cement our reputation as Australia’s cultural capital, while offering exciting career pathways and opportunities for Victorians – and a rare chance to shape the future of a Melbourne icon.”
