Brisbane cultural precinct is number one with new $175 million QPAC theatre

A state-of-the-art new $175 million venue is taking shape in Brisbane’s performing arts precinct. VIRTUAL FLY-THROUGH

What was once a grassy knoll on the corner of Grey and Russell streets in South Brisbane is now taking shape as QPAC’s incredible new $175 million theatre.

The project is now just over a year from completion, with construction company Lendlease expected to achieve “operational readiness” in mid-2024.

With three tower cranes on site the distinctive structural steel and concrete components are now largely visible from the surrounding streets.

The Courier-Mail had a sneak peek inside the half built state of the art theatre yesterday with Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch.

Minister Enoch said she was stunned by the progress after the site was impacted by the floods last year.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch tours construction of the new theatre with QPAC chief executive John Kotzas. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

“Eighteen months ago we had 30 million litres of water and sludge across QPAC and this site was heavily affected,” Minister Enoch said. “I inspected it after the flooding and it was heartbreaking. But now it’s so exciting to see this project which will mark 38 years since QPAC opened. The new theatre is a complex project which has been affected by supply chain factors affecting the global construction industry and the floods. It’s terrific to see the project progressing so well.

“This beautiful new theatre will connect audiences with exceptional performing arts experiences from Queensland and abroad ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while state of the art technology will enhance the in-theatre experience for audiences and support high-quality live streaming and simulcasts.”

It was explained Friday that modules under the large stage would be to pop up and down and people on stage would be able to disappear and reappear in an instant.

How QPAC’s new theatre will look when it is finished in mid-2024

The 1500 theatre is halfway between the capacity of QPAC’s current Lyric Theatre and Playhouse and this new fifth theatre will feature just one balcony to create an intimacy that belies the size of the auditorium.

QPAC Chief executive John Kotzas said it was exciting to see “the new theatre emerging from among the scaffolding and cranes”.

“As we start to see the structures of the balcony and boxes, auditorium, orchestra pit and foyer spaces, it’s thrilling to watch our theatre become a reality. Queensland has long needed a theatre of this size and it will open up a world of opportunity as our industry continues to grow.

The as yet unnamed venue (it is being referred to as the New Performing Arts Venue at the moment) will have a major art component in its Russell Street frontage with Queensland First Nations artists Brian Robinson and Megan Cope short-listed for a public art commission. They are working alongside First Nations design consultant Blaklash Creative and Brisbane public art specialists UAP with one of the works to be selected later this year.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch testing the new seats with QPAC chief executive John Kotzas. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The theatre’s signature design elements by architects Blight Rayner + Snohetta pay tribute to Maiwar, the Brisbane River with the curved glass frontage referencing the river’s flow and allowing QPAC patrons a view of the city skyline and nearby South Bank. When it is operational the theatre is expected to allow for an extra 260 performances a year with the potential for an additional 300,000 visitors per annum.

John Kotzas said QPAC would probably open it in the second half of 2024 with some local shows before big ticket events.

“We have lots of possibilities but the trick in our business is not to take a booking until you’ve been handed the keys,” Mr Kotzas said.