$14 million plans revealed for theatre in Sydney

Plans to revive Sydney's Belvoir Street Theatre Warehouse have been unveiled, following the submission of a $14.4 million development application.

Designs by TKD Architects propose to adaptively reuse the physically deteriorating three-storey warehouse at 486-490 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, and create a one-storey addition to the existing form. The establishment of the additional floor would provide room for a creative industries hub on the upper two floors, while reconfiguration works would facilitate the development of two new performance volumes.

Alteration works proposed include the demolition of existing partition walls, amenities, stairs and existing roof structure, installation of a lift to service all levels of the building, construction of a new lobby and glazed openings on Elizabeth Street, introduction of rehearsal spaces on ground floor to replace current retail offerings on site and conversion of level three to a commerical office tenancy.

The theatre company's administration services would remain across the warehouse mezzanine and level two, with rearrangement allowing for increased capacity for creatives to work.

Plans state the renewal project will "create a unified creative precinct in Surry Hills, making a tangible connection from Elizabeth St to the iconic Belvoir St Theatre," as well as provide "new versatile working spaces for creative industries."

According to the social impact assessment comprised within the report, the development is likely to "create a high positive impact on the community," particularly with regard to its activation of Elizabeth Street, improved access to creative spaces and potential to create economic sustainability for artists.

The existing building accommodates a furniture shop at ground and mezzanine levels, with offices and a rehearsal space for The Belvoir St Theatre on levels two and three. Access to the theatre is gained from Belvoir Street, however, the warehouse has entries along both Elizabeth and Belvoir Streets.

Plans describe the revitalized building and vertical addition as being "appropriately setback" with a brick facade that is dark in colour, so as to not compete with surrounding buildings. An illuminated sign has been proposed to provide a point of reference for passersby.

Belvoir St Theatre lodged the development application, which is now on exhibition.