An artist’s impression of the new theatre and northern forecourt. Images: ACT Government.
New images of Canberra’s proposed 2000-seat Lyric Theatre reveal a multi-level modernist building with a generous forecourt and a spacious stage big enough to host major productions.
The images are included in the Works Approval lodged today (27 September) with the National Capital Authority and available for the community to submit comments on until 20 October.
The Works Approval is a significant milestone for the project and includes detailed designs inspired by Canberra’s iconic natural landmarks.
The new performance venue will be built on the upper car park north-west of the current Canberra Theatre Centre, bordering Northbourne Avenue and Vernon Circle.
The ACT Government says it will showcase views of Black Mountain and Vernon Circle, blending into the city’s cultural district and setting a new benchmark for accessibility and artistic experience in the ACT.
Featuring bold architecture and large windows, the theatre building will glow with natural light by day and ambient light by night, it says.
A spacious northern forecourt will welcome public gatherings, and the building’s layered design will strike a balance between openness and intimacy.
The detailed design includes seating for up to 2000 people across three levels – stalls, dress circle and balcony – with accessible seating on every level.
The theatre will have equitable building access, more bathrooms than required, including all-gender facilities and a modern orchestra pit that can be adjusted for different performance sizes.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who has championed the theatre project despite cost concerns and pressure for a new stadium to be built instead, said the new venue would enable world-class performances to be held in the national capital.
Mr Barr said the design reflected the ACT landscape and celebrated First Nations culture with its use of natural forms and textures.
“Importantly, the detailed design also responds to the needs of the people who will watch performances, the performers who will take the stage, and the staff who will work in the venue, which has been guided by extensive community consultation throughout the planning and design process,” he said.
“People told us they care about comfort, good views from their seats, equal access for everyone, a strong connection to Country and more bathroom options.”
Mr Barr said the seating capacity would deliver the scale and sophistication needed to attract the major productions the Canberra community had been waiting for.
“Every seat has been designed for a great audience experience and for people to feel close to the action,” he said.
The project will also include a new loading dock which will service the Playhouse and new lyric theatre.
In May, global construction firm Multiplex was appointed as early delivery partner for the project after a competitive tender process.
It is working with the project’s architect team Cox and Charcol Blue theatre consultants.
Multiplex will submit a construction proposal to government by the end of 2025 for consideration.
Site establishment and early works are expected to start from next month, subject to approvals, with main construction commencing early next year.
Plans for the next stage of the Canberra Theatre redevelopment project include refurbishment of the existing Canberra Theatre and Playhouse, the construction of a new link space between the two and from Civic Square to City Hill, and a new 300-seat Studio Theatre.
