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.

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.

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