Geelong Arts Centre opened in 1981. Its facilities no longer met the needs of the much larger Geelong community and the city’s anticipated future growth.
Stage 2 of the Redevelopment involved the demolition of existing buildings and the delivery of a new building on Ryrie Street. Key project consultants were appointed via Geelong Arts Centre Trust in conjunction with Development Victoria and the design team was led by HASSELL Architects.
The 2009 Geelong Arts Centre Redevelopment Masterplan included the refurbishment of the entire site. Kane delivered Stage 1 of the Masterplan (internal refurbishment of the existing Playhouse Theatre) in 2010.
The project objectives for Stage 2 were achieved by the following scope:
- Demolition of existing Band of Hope and Mechanics Institute Building
- Revealing the façade of the former church building
- Building a new double height foyer on Ryrie Street to improve access to the Playhouse Theatre
- A new floor for the Creative Industries
- New studio and rehearsal spaces
- Universal access into the Playhouse balcony, studio spaces and church.
Geelong Arts Centre remained operational during the redevelopment.
The Geelong Arts Centre Ryrie Street Redevelopment achieved Practical Completion in late 2019.
