Canberra Lyric Theatre development. Photos: John Lomnicki and ACT Government.
It’s been a hole in the ground for months but now one of the most significant developments in Canberra’s artistic history is heading skywards to become a fixture in the CBD landscape and a reality in Canberrans’ minds.
The new four-level, 2000-seat lyric theatre which will revolutionise the national capital’s performance and cultural experience is rising out of the excavations and providing onlookers with a glimpse of what is to come.
Photos of the site reveal the stage and orchestra pit taking shape, and Infrastructure Canberra has released new renders and fly-through video of the theatre.
Since construction commenced in January, tier 1 builder Multiplex has completed the installation of deep foundation piles, excavation of basement areas and significant structural concrete works.
The deepest excavation point on the site – the orchestra pit – is also complete, and essential services are being installed, including stormwater systems, sewer infrastructure, lift shafts and other utility connections that will support the safe and efficient operation of the theatre.
With foundation works approaching completion, construction has now progressed to the theatre’s stage and floor, which will be followed by installation of the roof and facade, giving the theatre its distinctive architectural identity.
Infrastructure Canberra Program Director, Arts and Sports Infrastructure, Julia Pucci said it was a significant milestone for the project, which will be an architectural landmark for such a key corner in the city and enable big touring shows which previously would not consider Canberra to now stage their productions here.
“You can start to see the orchestra pit forming, and we’ve got the first bit of vertical structure coming up with the fire stairs and lift structure, which will be repeated on the other side of the orchestra pit as well,” she said.
Ms Pucci said it was a complex build but Multiplex had plenty of experience in such projects.
It was now all about planning and execution, with a lot of big structural elements, big pieces of steel, that would be arriving.
Canberrans would see the building levels take shape quite rapidly as it emerges from the foundations, followed by the facade towards the end of the year or early next year.
In the first quarter of 2027 the roof would go on to “get watertight” and then the internal fitout would begin.
“It’s very complicated for a theatre; the whole thing’s like a finely tuned instrument,” Ms Pucci said.
A key part of the building was the triangular skylight. The notion of sky country was one of the design principles that came about through designing with country and consulting with local Indigenous families.
“In the daytime you’ll look up and see the sky, and in the evening you look up and see the stars. That connection to the sky is a really important part of the architectural design, and it’s lovely because it lets the light in as well,” Ms Pucci said.
The materials and colours seen in the design have been inspired by the Canberra region, including the woodlands of Black Mountain, the granite of Birrigai and Namadgi, the ochres of Mount Ainslie, and the textures of the Molonglo River corridor.
Ms Pucci said it would be an impressive building and an amazing place to see a show.
“The theatre’s going to be just beautiful, so I think people will be really proud of it,” she said.
“It’s very thoughtful for the back of house as well, so I think performers will really enjoy being there.”
Ms Pucci said the project was on track, on time and on budget.
It was expected to be completed by mid-2028 and then it was up to the Cultural Facilities Corporation that runs the Canberra Theatre Centre to decide when the new theatre would be ready for its first opening night.
Canberra Theatre Centre Executive Director Georgia Hendy said it was an exciting time for Canberra as the city moved closer to welcoming a venue unlike anything it had seen before.
“With greater capacity and contemporary facilities, this new venue will enable us to attract major productions, strengthening the city’s place on the national touring circuit while delivering an exceptional experience for audiences from the moment they walk through the doors,” she said.
“The new lyric theatre will allow Canberra Theatre Centre to further enrich our city’s cultural life, support the continued growth of our local creative sector and ensure future generations can continue to experience unforgettable live performances right here in our Nation’s Capital.”
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the design and progress of construction showed the scale and ambition of this project.
As well as attracting major productions that currently bypass Canberra, the lyric theatre by year five of operation was projected to contribute almost $34 million each year to Canberra’s economy and generate more than 111,000 visitor nights a year.
“The venue will attract new visitors, support local restaurants, cafes, hotels and businesses, and create jobs across the arts, events and hospitality sectors,” Mr Barr said.
“The new theatre, along with other major projects such as the National Convention and Entertainment Centre, is central to our vision for a connected and thriving city centre.
“Together, these once-in-a-generation projects are part of our plan for Canberra – helping to reshape our city centre, support jobs and economic growth, and create new reasons for people to spend time in the city.”
The progress of the project can be followed on the BuiltforCBR website.
