Wintergarden Theatre given $7.5m new lease of life

A key aspect of Bundaberg Regional Council’s civic and cultural precinct project, the iconic theatre in the CBD was first opened in the 1920s and then bought by the council for $1.2 million in 2019. Its latest reincarnation is set to be breathtaking.

A wedding party in front of the Wintergarden Theatre in Maryborough Street, year unknown. The building is an iconic part of the Bundaberg CBD and has just undergone its latest reincarnation with a $7.5million renovation. Source: Picture Bundaberg.

Bundaberg’s Old Wintergarden Theatre in the Bundaberg CBD is ready for its next incarnation after a $7.5m renovation.

A key aspect of Bundaberg Regional Council’s civic and cultural precinct project, the theatre was purchased by the council from Arapower Pty Ltd for $1.2 million in September 2019.

A $5 million tender for the fit-out of the theatre into a revitalised community hub, forming part of the envisaged civic and cultural precinct, was awarded to Bundaberg firm Murchie Constructions in April 2023.

The project also received $1.6 million from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.

The heritage structure was dubbed the Wintergarden when it opened in the late 1920s, and has had a long and interesting history in Bundaberg, being used at times as a gym and the Blockbuster video rental store.

A wedding party in front of the Wintergarden Theatre in Maryborough Street, year unknown. The building is an iconic part of the Bundaberg CBD and has just undergone its latest reincarnation with a $7.5million renovation. Source: Picture Bundaberg.

As part of its complete renovation, it has been revitalised with modern design while preserving original features like brick walls, hardwood ceilings and refinished floors.

Mayor Helen Blackburn highlighted the building’s significance to Bundaberg and encouraged the community to attend an open day on October 19.

Leasing negotiations continue.

LOOKING BACK: Opening of the Wintergarden Theatre in 1929. Source: Picture Bundaberg

The Wintergarden Theatre in Maryborough Street is an iconic part of the Bundaberg CBD and has just undergone its latest reincarnation with a $7.5million renovation.

Inside the Bundaberg Wintergarden Theatre.

LOOKING BACK: Wintergarden Theatre in Maryborough Street. Source: Picture Bundaberg.

Inside the Wintergarden Theatre in Maryborough Street. The building is an iconic part of the Bundaberg CBD and has just undergone its latest reincarnation with a $7.5million renovation. Photos: Bundaberg Regional Council.

Bundaberg Regional Council release the concept drawings for the Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct. The refurbished Wintergarden is a big part of the precinct.

Bundaberg Regional Council release the concept drawings for the Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct. The refurbished Wintergarden is a big part of the precinct.