Construction begins on new Sound Stage 6 in Docklands

Work is underway on the $46 million Sound Stage 6 project at Docklands Studios Melbourne.

Building contractor Kane Constructions has completed site excavations and is currently building the foundations for the new stage.

Development Victoria Chief Executive Angela Skandarajah said her organisation had a long history at Docklands Studios Melbourne dating back to the original construction project in 2003-04 under its predecessor Major Projects Victoria.

The new 3,700sqm stage will increase the capacity of Docklands Studios Melbourne by 60 percent and help attract large scale international productions.

Sound Stage 6 will be one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and will complement the existing stages and facilities for smaller TV and film projects at the studio. The stage will have a 17m (55ft) internal height, full soundproofing, and a floor loading capacity of 20kpa, as well as back-of-house support facilities. 

In 2018-19 screen projects supported by the Victorian Government generated $251 million and supported more than 8,300 local jobs. State Government funding for the design and construction of Sound Stage 6 is separate from funds provided by Film Victoria for broad-based production support and diverse industry programs.

Development Victoria is delivering the Sound Stage 6 project on behalf of Creative Victoria, Docklands Studios Melbourne, and Film Victoria. Grimshaw Architects are designing the new stage.

Sound Stage 6 will be completed in late 2021. The five existing sound stages will remain operational throughout the project.