Delivery of $1.7bn Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation fast tracked

The Victorian Government is investing into revitalising the centre of Melbourne’s cultural and creative precinct with an additional $241 million funding injection for the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. 

The new funding commitment brings the total investment on this transformative project to $1.7 billion, which is anticipated to support the creation of 11,000 jobs over the life of the project. 

Considered as Australia’s largest cultural infrastructure development, the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project is going to be delivered in two phases: 

• Phase One
  • A unique new 18,000 square metre immersive public garden in the heart of the precinct, including space for outdoor art and performances as well as two new restaurants and bars at the northern end 
  • NGV Contemporary, a new gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design – set to be the largest of its kind in Australia 
  • New connections and improved access into and through the precinct 
  • Underground shared services infrastructure that will ensure the seamless and sustainable operations of the precinct and its venues, as well as foundational works for Phase Two 
• Phase Two 
  • An upgraded and reimagined Arts Centre Melbourne Theatres Building, beneath the iconic spire 
  • A new Centre for Creativity, run by Arts Centre Melbourne, with spaces and facilities for Victoria’s small to medium and independent arts sector, a new performing arts gallery and an expanded Australian Music Vault 

The first phase of this major development is expected to create 5,000 jobs during its construction. 

“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,” Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer AM said. 

Artist impression of State Theatre (source: Creative Victoria)

Since it was built, the State Theatre will be getting its most significant refurbishment to help improve accessibility as well as provide more comfortable seating and upgraded acoustics. Other works on the State Theatre will include upgrades to the back of house facilities, construction of new rehearsal spaces and two new loading docks. 

The theatre is also going to be modernised with new state-of-the-art lighting, sound system upgrades and the addition of live streaming capabilities to bring this iconic facility into the 21st Century. 

All these vital upgrades will ensure the State Theatre will continue delivering world-class performances. 

In addition, important works on the building’s foundation and basement structure will also be delivered to improve its corrosion prevention systems. 

“The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation will create thousands of local jobs and cement Victoria’s reputation as cultural capital of the country. 

“The vital works to the State Theatre will transform the building inside and out, making it more accessible and comfortable, and keeping it at the cutting edge of live performance venues in the country,” Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said. 

The Expression of Interest for the Northern Package of the project has been released to market. This package will focus on works on the State Theatre. 

More information on the Northern Package can be found on the Buying for Victoria – Tenders webpage here. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Creative Victoria (1, 2); Development Victoria; Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline (1, 2, 3)