Melbourne Arts Precinct

Arts Centre Melbourne

As part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s redevelopment, the State Theatre auditorium will undergo its most significant refurbishment since it opened in 1984. The upgrade will provide greater accessibility and new seating, as well as flooring and air-conditioning improvements to increase audience comfort. Technology at the theatre will be upgraded with new state-of-the-art lighting and broadcast infrastructure bringing the theatre into the 21st century.

Upgrades will be made to the back-of-house facilities, including an expanded underground Loading Dock, a new flexible rehearsal space and studio, and an event space.

Two new food and beverage spaces will be built into the western and northern facades of the Theatres Building (under the Spire).

Laak Boorndap

Laak Boorndap is 18,000 square metres of public parkland in the heart of Melbourne, which will connect Arts Centre Melbourne, NGV International and The Fox: NGV Contemporary. It will be home to a range of biodiverse plants, creating an ever-changing and seasonal environment for all to enjoy.

Laak Boorndap will be designed by a local and international team, led by Melbourne design practice HASSELL, in partnership with New York’s SO-IL and world-renowned horticulturalists Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough.

Laak Boorndap, a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung name bestowed by Traditional Owner, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Language Elder, Aunty Gail Smith, translates to mean ‘heaven’s beauty’. This name reflects the garden’s ambition to be a stunning new gathering place that celebrates culture and community.

The Fox: NGV Contemporary

The Fox: NGV Contemporary will be the largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design in Australia. Once completed, it will comprise of an overall area of 30,000 square metres. Of this, more than 13,000 square metres will be dedicated display space for art and design, including exhibition galleries and an expansive rooftop terrace.

The winning concept design is by Angelo Candalepas and Associates, who will lead a team of Australian, Victorian and Melbourne based firms to design The Fox: NGV Contemporary.

Internal works will take place at NGV International to ensure it can continue to operate during the construction of The Fox: NGV Contemporary.

Project works update

Arts Centre Melbourne, NGV International and The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre will remain open for business throughout all the works.

To help us better understand the current noise levels of the project area, we are undertaking acoustic monitoring. The monitoring will involve the use of both hand-held devices and noise monitoring equipment placed in different locations. This data will help us keep noise impacts to a minimum throughout the project.

Read the latest construction updates on our resources page.

Authorities

Authority relocations (water, electricity, telecommunications) continue around Sturt Street, Kavanagh Street and Southbank Boulevard.

Please follow the directions of any traffic controllers in the area while works are underway to ensure you take the safest path.

Local residents and businesses who may be impacted by works will be notified directly by Authorities.

Visit our resources page for all the latest resident notification letters relating to Authorities works.

Works behind Arts Centre Melbourne

For Construction updates, Community updates and/or Resident notification letters prior to the ones listed, please contact mapt@development.vic.gov.au