Major upgrades begin at Arts Centre Melbourne

The project marks the Theatres Building's first upgrades since its 1984 opening. Works include refurbishing the auditorium, bringing sound and staging technologies up to international standards and improving accessibility with new lifts, seats and floors.

Back-of-house improvements comprise an expanded underground loading dock, which will allow the theatre to stage more productions, and a new rehearsal space that will be the same size as the stage so performers can rehearse and warm up on site.

New hospitality venues will be built at the west and north facades.

Foundations will also be laid for a large new public garden, designed by Hassell and So-il, that will be the heart of Melbourne Arts Precinct.

Early works began on the Theatres Building in 2022 with the removal of a concrete-and-steel rear terrace.

Lendlease has been appointed to undertake the works, which are scheduled to be completed by 2027.

The Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation project also includes The Fox: NGV Contemporary, which is set to become Australia's largest contemporary art and design gallery.

"The Melbourne Arts Centre Precinct transformation will not only ensure we bring the biggest and best creative offerings to Victoria[,] but it will also create hundreds of jobs for Victorian tradies to work on this iconic project," said Steve Dimopoulos, Victoria's minister for creative industries.

"We understand how important the creative industries are to Victoria's economy - that's why we're backing local workers to build the most prestigious home of fine art and culture in Australia."