Key details
Location
50 Little Malop Street, Geelong
Wadawurrung Country
Policy objective
Social and economic infrastructure
Clients
Creative Victoria
Geelong Arts Centre
Regional Development Victoria
Overview
Geelong Arts Centre is Victoria’s only state-owned cultural institution outside of Melbourne.
A clever and creative city the size and vibrancy of Geelong requires cultural assets to match the growing and changing needs of the city.
Little Malop Street Redevelopment
We’ve transformed the Little Malop Street building to create the largest dedicated regional arts centre in Australia with a unique design that reflects Geelong’s history, culture and creativity.Funded by the Victorian Government, the $140 million Little Malop Street Redevelopment has significantly expanded the capacity of Geelong Arts Centre, providing a 550-seat theatre ‘The Story House’, a 250-seat theatre ‘The Open House’, a dynamic and colourful foyer and bar facilities alongside a range of event spaces, including dedicated alfresco dining space, Tutti, on Little Malop Street.
Dedicated to delivering on a bold future for a clever and creative Geelong, the remarkable design brings together elements drawn from the history of the Geelong, the traditions of circus and theatre, and the strong and continuing First Nations culture and connection to Country.Development Victoria is proud to have partnered with Geelong Arts Centre, Creative Victoria and Lendlease to deliver this project.600 construction jobs
300 ongoing local jobs
Outcomes
The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of Lendlease to deliver the $140 million Little Malop Street Redevelopment.
Lendlease’s ‘Geelong First’ commitment put local partnerships, skills and innovation at the heart of the project. It ensured local suppliers and tradespeople are invited to tender on works packages throughout construction, including local social enterprises.
Development Victoria and Lendlease participated in the GROW initiative that works to reduce unemployment and promote the social prosperity of the region.
Lendlease has a long history of delivering major cultural projects throughout Australia, including Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company and University of Melbourne’s Ian Potter Southbank Centre.
The next stage of the Geelong Arts Centre project has transformed the existing Little Malop Street building.
Funded by the Victorian Government, the Little Malop Street Redevelopment significantly expanded the capacity of Geelong Arts Centre with multiple new performance venues, an upgraded box office and refurbished back-of-house and administration facilities. More dining options and an outdoor atrium are also being considered in the design.
This project created around 600 construction jobs and more than 300 ongoing local jobs in the tourism and service industries. Work started 2020 and was completed in 2023.
ARM Architecture was appointed as the Principal Architect for the next stage of the Geelong Arts Centre project, the $140 million Little Malop Street Redevelopment.
ARM Architecture has an international reputation for making places that are uplifting, memorable and that go beyond visitor expectations.
The Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, also on Little Malop Street, is a stunning example of their work and their commitment to creating landmark and beautiful architecture in Geelong.
Location
Stage 3 of the Geelong Arts Centre Redevelopment is located at 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong.
Development Victoria acknowledges the Wadawurrung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land.
Who to contact about this project
For further information on the Geelong Arts Centre Redevelopment project, please contact Development Victoria.
Ph: 03 8317 3400
For all media and filming enquiries please contact:
Ph: 03 8317 3700
Email: media@development.vic.gov.au
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Engagement Summary
Placemaking and user experience planning
The Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment has been exploring your views about the precinct today and what you would like to see at Geelong Arts Centre in the future.
740 respondents to an online survey
3 visioning workshops – 1 in person, 2 online
4 online round table discussions
- Government
- Geelong Arts Centre staff
- Artists and hirers
- Traditional Owners
- First Nations people
- Geelong businesses
- Geelong community
- Visitors to Geelong
- Lively public spaces
- Exceptional food and beverage offerings
- A diverse program of performances
- A place to meet and socialise
- Access and inclusion for everyone
- A showcase for local talent
- An international platform for design and events
- Real connections with Aboriginal culture
- Better connections to the street and precinct
- Vibrant and exciting
- Buzzing with activity day and night
- A celebration of the creative spirit
- Bold and inspiring
- A culturally safe and welcoming place
“I see the centre as a social and cultural touchpoint for Geelong.”
“More Aboriginal culture, opportunities to engage with history, new and old stories, and artforms.”
“A more inviting outdoor space and cafe area for meetings and social catchups.”
“Talks on the arts, free activities for young people. Discussion groups or social activities for arts lovers to meet each other and learn more.”
“I want to see a broader range of community members attending events and feeling welcomed.”
“It would be wonderful to have arts-centred alfresco dining, bars and cafes spilling out onto the mall to create more of a buzz in the area.”
“I think it would be good to bring more of the public 'in'. It would be good if there was a window/or area at ground level that performers (and patrons) could feel like they were both inside and out.”
Construction updates
What is happening between March and June?
External Civil & Landscaping Works
Civil works to precinct roadways will be progressively completed between March and June. These works consist of new road construction as well as footpaths and landscaped areas.
What to expect
Plant and equipment operating daily including excavators, rollers and trucks will be utilised daily to assist with these activities. Periodic partial closures of Little Malop Street and Ryrie Street may be required to facilitate installation of new crossovers. Impacted stakeholders will be notified separately. We do not envisage any impacts to pedestrian movements around the precinct from the currently established site hoardings. The permanent site hoardings will be progressively removed from April 2023, however public access will not be possible until after June 2023.
Building Fitout Works
Building fitout works are in the final stages of completion and building commissioning works are now in progress.
What to expect
The building fitout and finalisation period will be ongoing until late June 2023 and we advise that typical construction activity noise can be expected over this period such as machine beepers, cutting, drilling and the like. No impacts to pedestrian movements are envisaged.
What to expect over the next 3 months
Moderate construction activity and noise from March through to June – during construction operating hours (7am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3.30pm Saturdays and Sundays intermittently).
All public enquiries to be directed to gac.stage3@development.vic.gov.au
What is happening in October and November 2022?
Facade Works
Façade installation works will continue to all elevations including cladding and GRC panels to Little Malop Street.
What to expect:
Plant and equipment operating daily (drilling, grinding). Mobile cranes will be used daily to assist with these activities. Periodic closures of Little Malop Street may be required to facilitate installation of larger GRC façade elements. Impacted stakeholders will be notified separately. We do not expect any impacts to pedestrian movements around the precinct.
Building Fitout Works
Building fitout works are progressing well with the fitout of the new theatre spaces really taking shape. There are now over 180 construction workers on site on a daily basis.
What to expect:
The fitout period will be ongoing until early 2023 and typical construction activity noise can be expected over this period such as machine beepers, cutting and drilling. The loading bay on Little Malop Street will also be frequently used for deliveries. Intermittent road closures of Little Malop Street may be required to facilitate construction activities. No impacts to pedestrian movements are expected.
Temporary power outages will be coordinated over the coming months, however Powercor will provide advanced notice of outages and work to minimise disruption to those stakeholder businesses effected.
Overall, during November and December you can expect:
Moderate construction activity and noise during construction operating hours (7am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3.30pm Saturdays).
All public enquiries to be directed to gac.stage3@development.vic.gov.au
What is happening between July & September?
Facade Works
Following completion of the superstructure in June, façade installation will progressively commence around the perimeter of the site. The façade elements contain a mixture of glazed, aluminium clad and glass reinforced concrete (GRC) systems.
What to expect:
Plant and equipment operating daily (drilling, grinding etc). A combination of tower crane and mobile cranes will be utilised daily to assist with these activities. Periodic closures of Little Malop Street may be required to facilitate installation of larger GRC façade elements. Should this be the case, impacted stakeholders will be notified separately. We do not envisage any impacts to pedestrian movements around the precinct.
Roofing Works
Roofing works will continue on from June across the miscellaneous roof areas of the project.
What to expect:
The tower crane will load steel and roof sheets to the relevant roof areas where the roof will be installed from elevated work platforms and roof sheeting from on top of roof. There will be intermittent drilling noises in association with the steelwork install and securing of roof sheets.
Building Fitout Works
Building fitout works are now well underway through the new performance spaces and support areas. The volume of works will increase over this period as the building is progressively weather sealed via. the roof and façade installation.
What to expect:
It is likely that the number of deliveries to the site will increase as a large volume of material is required for the fitout. The fitout period will be ongoing until early 2023 and we advise that typical construction activity noise can be expected over this period such as machine beepers, cutting, drilling and the like.The loading bay on Little Malop Street will also be frequently used for deliveries. Intermittent road closures of Little Malop Street may be required to facilitate construction activities. No impacts to pedestrian movements are envisaged.
What to expect over the next 3 months:
Moderate construction activity and noise from July through to September – during construction operating hours (7am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3.30pm Saturdays).
What is happening between May & June?
Superstructure Works
Superstructure works are scheduled for completion by late June, with the structure at the final height (5 stories above road level) the Little Malop Street building structure will be linked back to the Geelong Arts Centre’s Ryrie street building
What to expect:
Plant and equipment operating daily (drilling, power saws.) and regular concrete pours. A combination of tower crane and mobile cranes will be utilised daily to assist with these activities. The loading bay on Little Malop Street will also be frequently used for deliveries. Intermittent road closures of Little Malop Street may be required to facilitate construction activities. No impacts to pedestrian movements are expected
Little Malop Street Works
As the structure is completed and formwork is removed, preliminary works to the Little Malop Street façade will commence with framing of the facade wall system and welding of steel outrigger posts that will eventually support the GRC façade skin.
What to expect:
Elevated work platforms operating via Little Malop Street to access and complete façade works. There are likely to be small machinery sounds such as movement beepers and minor engine noise. It is likely that general construction noise such as drilling and hammering will also be present. We do not anticipate any impacts to pedestrian or vehicle movements, however will advise if the specific need arises.
Roofing Works
Once the structure is completed, roof steel and roof sheet installation will commence to the main roof areas.
What to expect:
The tower crane will load steel and roof sheets to the relevant roof areas where the roof will be installed from elevated work platforms and roof sheeting from on top of roof. There will be intermittent drilling noises in association with the steelwork install and securing of roof sheets.
Building Fitout Works
As the building structure is completed internal fitout works will commence with the installation of services, partition walls and soffit insulation.
What to expect:
It is likely that the number of deliveries to the site will increase as a large volume of material is required for the fitout. The fitout period will be ongoing until early 2023 and we advise that typical construction activity noise can be expected over this period such as machine beepers, cutting and drilling.
What to expect over the next 2 months:
Moderate construction activity and noise from May through to June – during construction operating hours (7am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3.30pm Saturdays)
What is happening between February & April?
Superstructure Works
Superstructure works are progressing, and the vertical building structure is being erected. The structure comprises of in-situ concrete elements, precast panels and structural steel. It will be erected progressively through until June 2022. The current structure floor level has been built to Level 2.
What to expect:
Plant and equipment operating daily (drilling, power saws etc.) and regular concrete pours. A combination of tower crane and mobile cranes will be utilised daily to assist with these activities. The loading bay on Little Malop Street will also be frequently used for deliveries. Intermittent road closures of Little Malop Street may be required to facilitate construction activities. No impacts to pedestrian movements are envisaged.
Theatre 250 Works
The full height precast wall panels were erected in January 2022. Works to complete the lid and form the theatre structure will commence in February. The works consist of large steel roof beams that will be put in place with mobile cranes, with a concrete slab poured on top. A temporary road closure may be required to facilitate these works. Concerned stakeholders will be notified in advance should this be the case.
What to expect:
Large mobile crane and trucks delivering steel beams via Little Malop Street. Short term closure of Little Malop Street will be required to erect some of the roof members. No impacts to pedestrian movements are envisaged.
Police Lane Works
For the works period the Police Lane elevation will be constructed from Level 2 to Level 4. This will involve an additional jump of precast panels with horizontal steel members to secure the structure.
What to expect:
Trucks delivering precast panels and steel via Little Malop Street. Short term pedestrian closure of Police Lane will be required to erect some of the façade panels whilst the panels are being landed. All precast and steelwork will be erected via. the tower crane.
What to expect over the next 2 months:
Moderate construction activity and noise from February through to April – during construction operating hours (7am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3.30pm Saturdays).
What is happening between December & January?
Superstructure Works
Superstructure works are underway and the vertical building structure is being erected. The structure comprises of in-situ concrete elements, precast panels and structural steel. The current structure floor level has been built to Level 1. Superstructure works will continue progressively through until June 2022.
What to expect:
Plant and equipment operating daily (drilling, power saws etc.) and regular concrete pours. A combination of tower crane and mobile cranes will be utilised daily to assist with these activities. The loading bay on Little Malop Street will also be frequently used for deliveries. Intermittent road closures of Little Malop Street may be required to facilitate construction activities. No impacts to pedestrian movements are envisaged.
Western side of construction site
Triple height precast panels will be erected across the western side of the site adjacent to Aitchison Place. The panels are over 20 tonnes each and will be erected via a large mobile crane. Several of the panels will need to be installed outside of the site boundary on Little Malop Street. This will require a temporary road closure for 1-2 days. Stakeholders will be notified when the exact timing is confirmed.
What to expect:
Large mobile crane and trucks delivering precast panels via Little Malop Street. Short term closure of Little Malop Street will be required to erect some of the façade panels. No impacts to pedestrian movements are envisaged.
What is happening between October and November?
Precast Concrete Facade to Police Lane
The project aims to commence the installation of precast concrete wall panels along Police Lane from early October. These panels will form the new building façade facing Police Lane.
What to expect:
The tower crane operating and intermittent pedestrian access changes to Police Lane to facilitate safe installation of wall panels. Please follow signage and work crews’ direction during these periods.
Superstructure Works
The Superstructure works for the new Arts Centre building is well underway, with particular focus on progressing the vertical building structure. The structure comprises of in-situ concrete elements, precast panels and structural steel. It will be erected progressively between August 2021 and early 2022.
What to expect:
Machinery and equipment will be operating daily (drilling, power saws etc.) and regular concrete pours. A combination of tower crane and mobile cranes will be utilised daily to assist with these activities. The loading bay on Little Malop Street will also be frequently used for deliveries.
Please note that the above activities are subject to impacts of public health orders and may need to be updated to remain relevant.
Construction activity
What to expect
There will be a range of construction activity and noise during October and November. Crews will be operating onsite between 7:00am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7:00am-3.30pm Saturdays.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact: gac.stage3@development.vic.gov.au
What's happening between August and September?
Construction progressing as new tower crane starts work
Construction of basement and foundations
Construction is progressing on building the new foundations and basement.
Excavators will be actively removing spoil and work is underway to install new underground drainage and services.
Crews will be pouring concrete throughout August and September to establish the new building’s foundations.
What to expect
Machinery and equipment will be operating each day on site. Works will involve trucks loading extracted material. There will be some pumping noises during concrete pours.
Tower crane now on site
The large tower crane that will be instrumental in construction of the new building, is now on site and will be operating each day for the next few months.
Precast concrete facade to Police Lane
In early September precast concrete wall panels will be installed in Police Lane. These panels will form the new building façade along Police Lane.
What to expect
To ensure safety during the installation of the panels, there will be some changes to pedestrian access on Police Lane. Please follow signage and work crews’ direction during these periods.
Superstructure works
Towards late August (subject to basement construction works), superstructure works will commence which will involve the construction of the new Arts Centre building. The structure comprises of in-situ concrete elements, precast panels and structural steel. It will be erected progressively between August and early 2022.
What to expect
Machinery and equipment will be operating daily (drilling, power saws etc.) and regular concrete pours. A combination of tower crane and mobile cranes will be used during construction. The loading bay on Little Malop Street will also be frequently used for deliveries.
Construction activity
What to expect
There will be a range of construction activity and noise during August and September. Crews will be operating onsite between 7:00am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7:00am-3.30pm Saturdays.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact: gac.stage3@development.vic.gov.au
What is happening between May & July?
Basement Construction Works – Piling foundations and basement retention walls
Construction of new building basement and foundations. During this period there will be two drilling rigs on site to complete piling works as part of the new basement retention and foundations. Excavators will also be continuously operating loading out soil and materials from site. Concrete pours to the new piling foundation and basement retention walls will also occur intermittently throughout the coming months.
What to expect:
Expect noise and vibration from the drilling rig(s) as they create holes for the piles, traffic movement from trucks loading extracted material/soil out of the site, and noise from concrete pumping machinery during regular concrete pours.
Building foundations to Police Lane
Construction of new building foundations to Police Lane. Expect intermittent noise from plant, equipment and concrete trucks.
What to expect:
Noise and vibration from trucks loading extracted material out of the site and regular concrete pours.
Services installation works
Services installation works continue to Police Lane and Aitchison Place. Infrastructure upgrade works are also planned for the existing substation which may require some local service shutdowns. Affected businesses will be notified.
What to expect:
Intermittent noise, vibration and localised footpath closures.
Operating Hours - What to expect:
Moderate construction activity and noise in May to July – during construction operating hours (7am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3.30pm Saturdays).
All public enquiries to be directed to gac.stage3@development.vic.gov.au
What is happening in April?
Existing Geelong Arts Centre building
Major demolition of existing drama theatre continues until end of May. The majority of the existing Drama Theatre has now been demolished, with the final areas of demolition being undertaken adjacent to the existing flytower.
What to expect:
Intermittent noise and vibration.
Building foundations to Police Lane
Piling works and the construction of new building foundations to Police Lane. Expect intermittent noise from drilling rigs, plant, equipment and concrete trucks while new foundations are being completed.
What to expect:
Expect drilling rig(s), trucks loading extracted material and regular concrete pours.
Services installation works
Services installation works continue to Police Lane, and infrastructure upgrade works are also planned for the existing substation which may require some local service shutdowns. Affected businesses will be notified.
What to expect:
Intermittent noise, vibration and localised footpath closures.
Moderate construction activity and noise in April – during construction operating hours
(7am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3.30pm Saturdays).
Download a copy of the latest community note
Resources
- Community Note - March - June 2023 PDF, 432.9 kb
- Community Note - October - November 2022 PDF, 431.9 kb
- Community Note - May - June 2022 PDF, 444.3 kb
- Community Note - February - April 2022 PDF, 433.2 kb
- Community Note - December 2021 - January 2022 PDF, 449.2 kb
- Community Note - October - November 2021 PDF, 329.1 kb
- Community Note - April 2021 PDF, 468.4 kb
- Community Note - March 2021 PDF, 348.7 kb
- Community Note - February 2021 PDF, 353.7 kb
- Community Note - December 2020 / January 2021 PDF, 354.7 kb
- Community Note - November 2020 PDF, 354.2 kb
- Community Note - October 2020 PDF, 438.7 kb
Updated on 23 November 2023