The final stage of the $128 million redevelopment of the Geelong Arts Centre has been given the green light by the Minister for Planning, as a part of the state governments work to ensure the heart of Geelong is a thriving centre for locals and tourists.
The transformation of the Geelong Arts Centre into a landmark cultural facility in the heart of Geelong will support jobs and attract visitors and events.
It will contribute to the revitalisation of the city centre and is also a G21 priority under the Geelong Cultural Precinct project.
The existing Little Malop Street building will be redeveloped to include exciting new performance venues and theatres, striking new indoor and outdoor areas, dining options, a new box office, and front and back of house facilities.
The project will enable the Geelong Arts Centre to attract a greater diversity of quality productions from around Australia and internationally, and will provide more opportunities for local artists, schools and community groups.
Reflecting Geelong’s status as a UNESCO City of Design, the project’s unique façade will take the form of a theatre drape curtain with tie-back ropes and tassels, creating an engaging streetscape for visitors.
This final stage builds on the successful major overhaul of the 750-seat Playhouse Theatre in 2010 and the Ryrie Street Redevelopment in November 2019.
It will create approximately 600 construction jobs and more than 300 ongoing local jobs in the tourism and service industries.
The Little Malop Street precinct is scheduled to open in 2023.
