Kane Constructions has been appointed as Design & Construct Head Contractor to deliver Stage 2 of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre Redevelopment. Victorian planning minister Richard Wynne approved the $38.5 million project in July.
The redevelopment will see the creation of a new building and almost 2,000 square of additional spaces, including two new foyers, a bar area, two new rehearsal spaces additional spaces for use by creative practitioners and organisations. Accessibility will be improved by providing universal access to the centre’s largest performance space, the 745-seat Playhouse Theatre.
The Geelong Performing Arts Centre stretches between Little Malop and Ryrie Streets and is located within the Geelong Cultural Precinct, which is also home to the Geelong Art Gallery and the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, also delivered by Kane.
Member for Geelong Christine Cousens said, “The GPAC redevelopment will be a key part of Geelong’s revitalized arts and culture precinct, providing first class facilities for students and performers across the greater Geelong region.”
Hassell principal Mark Loughnan said the redevelopment is testament to Geelong leading the way in regional arts.
“Geelong Performing Arts Centre will not only be a landmark destination – it will also service the needs of the growing creative and cultural community,” he said.
The new building will have a new entrance on Ryrie Street, replacing the existing Mechanics Institute and Band of Hope buildings, which were largely removed, with the facades retained, when the performing arts centre was first built in 1981.
It will also reveal the walls of the historic former Steeple Church, which is currently used a small performance space. The church building is hidden from the street by the facade of the Band of Hope building. The form of the new building will cantilever over the church.
“The church will be more visible as part of an integrated composition of the performing arts centre building,” said Loughnan when the initial designs were revealed.
Kane are excited to be partnering with the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Development Victoria, Creative Victoria, Regional Development Victoria, HASSELL, AECOM, Purcell, ARUP, Rider Levett Bucknall and Urbis.
The project is slated for completion in mid-2019.
