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Video tour

Take a tour through the concept design video for the new theatre at the Queensland Cultural Centre. The new venue will create a fifth theatre for the Queensland Performing Arts Centre making it the largest performing arts centre in Australia under one roof.

 

Project background

In May 2018, the Queensland Government announced it would invest in the delivery of a new theatre on the Playhouse Green site co-located with and operated by QPAC. 

The project will deliver a minimum 1500-capacity state-of-the-art theatre for Queensland, creating a fifth theatre for QPAC with the potential to welcome an additional 300,000 visitors a year across five venue spaces.

Design

In May 2019, the Queensland Government announced Blight Rayner + Snøhetta as the successful Principal Consultant design team for the new theatre at QPAC. Drawing inspiration from the Brisbane River as an important meeting place for telling stories, the concept design respects the heritage listed Queensland Cultural Centre while creating a new place with its own identity.

Key design features of the project include:

  • an iconic rippled glass facade
  • transparent foyer spaces
  • a single balcony auditorium delivering enhanced audience sight line
  • provision for additional studio spaces under the theatre’s auditorium
  • significant First Nations artwork in the external entry forecourt.

The design has been guided by the Conservation Management Plan, commissioned by Arts Queensland.

Construction

Changed traffic conditions and pedestrian access are in place near the site. Russell Street is closed to general traffic between 6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday and some Saturdays. Please follow signage and instructions. Alternative drop-off locations are available on Grey Street.

Milestones

2024

  • Installation of glass facade
  • Highest concrete slab poured

2023

  • Installation of structural steel and feature precast concrete panels to the front of house sections
  • Commencement of roof sheeting to front of house foyers
  • Progression of services inside the auditorium including electrical, mechanical and hydraulics
  • Works to the back of house and fly tower including electrical and mechanical services, ceiling framing and steelwork
  • Level 8 roof sheeting installed to all three tiers
  • The birdcage scaffolding is completed

2022

  • Cores reach full height
  • Commencement of the internal structural steel installation
  • Progression of fit-out activity in the lower levels of the building
  • Refurbishment of rehearsal rooms

2021

  • Installation of two tower cranes to continue major construction
  • Excavation of the orchestra pit
  • Large concrete pours

2020

  • Lendlease, as Managing Contractor for the project, began exploratory and preparatory work in March 2020 for the new theatre at the Playhouse Green site
  • Construction works begin
 
 

Download concept design images here.

 
 

Download concept design images here.

 

Latest news

New Performing Arts Venue glass installation. Photo by Rix Ryan.
23 Aug 2024

Glass panels add a dramatic edge to new theatre

Work is underway to install the bespoke curved glass façade for the new theatre under construction at the Queensland Cultural Centre with more than a third of the 217 panels installed.

READ MORE
New performing arts theatre update January 2024
9 Jan 2024

2023 construction highlights

Find out more about the construction highlights from 2023.

READ MORE
Signature public art commission inspired by First Nations connection to Country
28 Jul 2023

Signature public art commission inspired by First Nations connection to Country

Internationally recognised Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson has been named as the selected artist to develop his concept design for a distinctive piece of public art for the new theatre now under construction at the Queensland Cultural Centre.

READ MORE
ALL NEWS

Benefits

The new theatre will:

Position Queensland as a vibrant cultural destination ahead of Brisbane 2032
Present a new level of performance experiences using the latest technology
Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures
Expand Queensland's arts and cultural offerings
Support national and international touring circuits
Showcase Queensland's local talent and stories
Create new employment opportunities
Meet demand for greater access to Brisbane venues
 

Timeline

Work is well underway to progress the new theatre

 


Location

The site of the new theatre is the Playhouse Green at QPAC on the corner of Grey and Russell Street, South Brisbane

The new theatre will be co-located with QPAC as its fifth performing arts venue

 

 

FAQs

Delivery of the theatre is being managed by the Queensland Government’s Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works (DHLGPPW) Project Delivery Team on behalf of QPAC and Arts Queensland.
The new theatre will be transformational for Queensland, creating the largest performing arts centre in Australia, with five outstanding venues, and when fully operational has the potential to welcome an additional 300,000 visitors per year.

The Queensland Government is committed to design excellence and recognises the importance of well-designed buildings, spaces and places.

In May 2019 Blight Rayner + Snøhetta were announced as the Principal Consultant design team for the new theatre.

The design for the new theatre within the Heritage Listed Queensland Cultural Centre, will be guided by the Conservation Management Plan, commissioned by Arts Queensland and developed by heritage consultants in 2017.
 Lendlease is the project’s Managing Contractor, and was awarded the contract in September 2019 following a robust procurement process. Preparatory works began in March 2020, and construction work is now underway to support the delivery of the project. 
The revised Lendlease forecast for practical completion is late 2025 with the theatre due to open in 2026.
The new theatre will be co-located with QPAC and operated by QPAC.