Premier

Builder And Artful Transformation Ready To Go For GPAC

30 August 2017

Work on Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s $38.5 million Ryrie Street Redevelopment will kick off in a matter of weeks with the appointment of award-winning builders Kane Constructions to deliver the project.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley joined local dancers of all ages from the Val Hannah School of Dancing and Karen Feldman Dance Studio to launch the Andrews Labor Government project.

The project will improve accessibility with universal access to the Playhouse Theatre and studios. It will include two new foyers and a bar area, and provide new spaces for creative practitioners and organisations and include four new state-of-the-art studios for rehearsals and creative development.

The architectural design blends the old and new, revealing the façade of the historic church on the site which has been hidden since 1920. A major public art commission will complete the design with an iconic artwork to be created for the Centre’s eastern exterior wall.

Expressions of interest are open from local, national and international artists to create this large-scale work with funding of between $300,000 and$500,000 available to commission the work.

Kane Constructions already has a strong presence in Geelong, with projects including the redevelopment of Simonds Stadium, the award-winning Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and the Playhouse Theatre.

Construction will commence in September and will create 100 jobs. More detail on the public art commission can be found at creative.vic.gov.auExternal Link , with expressions of interest closing on Wednesday 27 September.

Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley

“The Geelong Performing Arts Centre services a large and growing population, attracts the best Australian and international performances and provides a stage for the local community to shine.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“Geelong deserves state of the art cultural facilities and our $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund will deliver just that, while creating 100 construction jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Cousens

“The GPAC redevelopment will be a key part of Geelong’s revitalised arts and culture precinct, providing first class facilities for students and performers across the greater Geelong region.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville

“The rebuilding of GPAC will not only provide state of the art performance facilities to our community but also is an important part of the revitalisation of the cultural centre of Geelong.”

Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren

“The GPAC redevelopment will inspire locals of all ages and bring more visitors to enjoy all our region has to offer.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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