Piling is underway for the lyric theatre project. Photos: ACT Government.
The ground has been broken on Canberra’s new lyric theatre, marking the start of main construction works for the 2000-seat facility that will transform the Canberra Theatre Centre precinct.
The new theatre will be big enough for large-scale theatrical shows and have an expansive state-of-the-art stage, technical performance capability and excellent sound quality, comparable to the Sydney Lyric Theatre and the Princess Theatre in Melbourne.
It will enable Canberra to host major national and international musicals, contemporary music, ballet, operas and other large productions that currently can’t be staged in Canberra, delivering strong economic and visitor benefits.
Main works underway include major service diversions for stormwater, gas and electrical systems at the junction of Knowles Place and Theatre Lane.
Piling works have also begun with two rigs on site. More than 200 shoring piles and about 75 footing piles will be installed, including eight footing piles for two tower cranes.
Once foundation works are complete, structural construction will progress across the theatre’s four floors, followed by installation of the roof and façade, which will give the theatre its distinctive architectural identity.
In 2027, work will move to the interior, including seating, stage infrastructure and technical systems that will bring the venue’s performance spaces to life. It’s expected to be completed in 2028. The Canberra Theatre Centre will remain open for the duration of the project.
The new theatre is due to be completed in 2028.
Regional Director for Multiplex Harry Young said the company was delighted to be moving into the construction phase of this world‑class performing arts venue.
“Having recently delivered the Canberra Hospital Expansion Project and the University of Canberra Public Hospital, we’ll be drawing on our global and local experience to progress on site and leave a legacy that will benefit the community for years to come,” he said.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the new theatre would be a major driver of Canberra’s cultural and tourism economies, creating hundreds of jobs during the construction and operational phases.
Mr Barr said research from the Tourism & Transport Forum highlighted the ability of live theatre to drive interstate travel, with nearly half of Australians (42%) saying they’re willing to travel to see a production.
“This project is also a key part of the transformation of our city centre,” he said.
“It will support the night-time economy, bringing thousands of people into the city centre each night over the hundreds of nights it will be used throughout the year.
“It’s a timely investment in our visitor economy and our cultural identity.”
Business, Arts and Creative Industries Minister Michael Pettersson said the new lyric theatre would not only be capable of securing Canberra a highly competitive place on the national touring circuit and helping draw audiences from across the country, but it also had the potential to open up opportunities for people working in Canberra’s local performing arts scene.
Early works began last October and included the installation of site hoarding and preparation, the delivery of a temporary power battery, the establishment of the site compound and service relocations.
They also included the installation and commissioning of a temporary loading dock to ensure performances at The Playhouse can continue throughout construction.
The new lyric theatre is part of a significant transformation of the City Centre, including light rail expansion, new active transport connections, new multi-level car parks, new commercial buildings, new and renewed public spaces, a new university campus, major cultural infrastructure and thousands of new homes.
