Hopgood Theatre saved under 25-year deal with TAFE, will undergo $6m refurbishment

For years, the community’s fought to save a rundown theatre in Adelaide’s south – now it’s safe, under a 25-year deal with TAFE SA.

The Hopgood Theatre at Noarlunga Centre will be refurbished and saved. Picture: Ashleigh Pisani

An embattled southern Adelaide theatre that has been fighting to stay open for years has been saved after TAFE SA struck a 25-year deal with the City of Onkaparinga.

The state government will also top up a multimillion-dollar grant to refurbish the 500-seat theatre on Ramsay Place in Noarlunga.

As part of the agreement, which also includes “increased funding for the management of the theatre” without additional cost to ratepayers, will continue to be operated by Country Arts SA until the end of June 2023 before the City of Onkaparinga takes over.

Education Minister Blair Boyer said the new lease agreement followed years of “tireless advocacy” from the community and local MPs.

Southern students perform on the steps of parliament in a bid to secure ongoing funding for the Hopgood Theatre in Noarlunga Centre.

“Having broader support to provide a refurbished theatre to support local artists to

entertain large crowds, while also providing schools with an event and education

space will provide many benefits for the local community,” Mr Boyer said.

The $6m grant will replace the $5.3m grant the former Liberal government announced for the theatre last December.

Acting Onkaparinga mayor Simon McMahon said the 25-year lease would ensure the theatre served the community “for decades to come”.