Proposed $8m redevelopment for Thebarton Theatre
Just four years ago, it was at risk of demolition – but now plans have been revealed for an $8m redevelopment of the iconic Thebarton Theatre. See the pictures.
SA News
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Thebarton Theatre is set to receive a facelift if plans are approved to renovate the heritage-listed venue.
JPE Design Studio, on behalf of the West Torrens council, submitted plans to Planning SA to redevelop the western suburbs theatre.
The development includes a new main entry foyer and front-of-house area for patrons, while the iconic sign on the eastern wall of the theatre listing upcoming shows will be replaced with a digital LED screen.
The $8m project, which is equally funded by West Torrens Council and the state government, will begin early works in July 2023 with completion scheduled for mid-2025, subject to approvals.
The theatre will remain closed for the duration of the construction period, however Bob Lott, the chair of Weslo Holdings – lease holder of Thebarton Theatre – said the venue may open if construction allows.
Plans show the building to the theatre’s east will be demolished to make way for the new two-storey building acting as the new main entry foyer.
The foyer will feature north and south entry doors, toilet facilities and access to the upper storey via a set of stairs and a lift.
The upper floor is set to include more bathrooms, a seating area and a connection to upper-storey seating areas.
No extra seating in the auditorium is proposed.
In 2021, the state government promised a $17m upgrade for Thebarton Theatre, including a new ground-level entry foyer, auditorium timber flooring and roof solar panels.
Mr Lott said the government “reneged” on its promise of $17m, opting to now provide only $4m.
“The Premier at the time … wasn’t putting money in because of his budgetary constraints elsewhere,” he said.
Mr Lott said the government was even discussing investing $20m, however when the funding was cut to $8m renovation plans such as fly towers, corporate boxes and a larger kitchen were cut.
“Eight million dollars is still going to give us some very worthwhile options to improve the attendance of our patrons,” he said.
Interior renovations are scheduled if plans are approved including patching and painting walls within the stage area, existing entry foyer and assembly building, the auditorium’s flooring will be replaced with hardwood timber and the theatre’s bar will receive a new fit-out.
The behind-the-scenes store will also be refloored to provide consistency with the remainder of the building.
The exterior of the theatre will also be repainted to update the condition while the current eastern carpark will be replaced with an outdoor space fit with paving, landscaping, lighting and seating.
Mr Lott said the renovations will make the venue “more attractive”.
The existing Federation cottage next to the theatre will be demolished to create room for an expanded rear carpark.
A total of 37 parking spaces and 16 bicycle spaces to be available on site.
No third-party advertising is proposed for the new LED screen.
A proposed single-storey extension to the rear of the theatre would serve as the primary loading dock and feature a low-pitch skillion roof, roller door and pedestrian door.
Mr Lott said as lease holder Weslo Holdings has invested millions in the refurbishment of the theatre throughout the decades.
The plans come after the theatre was at risk of being demolished in the final stage of the North-South Corridor project.
However the theatre along with almost 500 homes were spared thanks to the decision to build two tunnels alongside South Rd instead.
The demolition plan by the former Liberal government sparked outrage and a campaign to protect it – with a video of then-premier Steven Marshall emerging in which he called for the theatre to “never be bulldozed”.
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