The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation will deliver The Fox: NGV Contemporary – the largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design in Australia, significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building, and a new 18,000 square metre urban garden for people to enjoy.
As part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s redevelopment, the State Theatre will undergo its most significant refurbishment since opening in 1984. The upgrade will provide new state-of-the-art amenities backstage, improved access and comfort for audiences, as well as 2 new food and beverage spaces.
The new design aims to enhance the inclusivity of experience for both performer and patron, whilst preserving and respecting the building’s heritage. Through consistent engagement with Heritage Victoria, four key drivers which acknowledge the ‘respect and privilege’ inherent in ACM’s custodianship of the Theatres Building have been developed. This includes the need for democratic architecture in the promotion of public freedom within the civic space, alongside the engagement of local designers and ensuring a sense of legacy remains central to the architecture throughout.
