QPAC’s $175m expansion further delayed till 2026
Brisbane’s new performing arts centre will open four years behind schedule, as new delays to the $175m project emerge.
QLD Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Brisbane’s new performing arts centre will open four years behind schedule, as new delays to the $175m project are blamed on contractor insolvencies, weather and supply issues.
Unveiled by then premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in 2018, the new performing arts venue was tipped to cost $150m and open in 2022.
Flooding in 2022 resulted in the cost rising to $175m, but The Courier-Mail can now reveal the theatre opening has again been delayed, from mid-2024 to 2026.
The state government says it is unaware how much the project will now cost.
Major contractor Lendlease blamed the latest delay on “a number of challenges” including major subcontractor insolvencies, inclement weather and supply chain pressures.
When finished, it is expected to facilitate an extra 260 performances and 300,000 visitors to QPAC each year.
Lendlease construction managing director David Paterson said there was significant momentum on the project ahead of the installation of a 2400-panel glass facade.
“The complex and precise installation is being expertly managed and, once finished, marks an important next step in bringing to life this cultural icon for Queenslanders,” he said.
“The revised completion date reflects a number of challenges that have impacted project delivery including several major subcontractor insolvencies, inclement weather conditions and supply chain pressure and volatility.
“With the revised program in place and the next major phase of works under way, we’re looking forward to delivering this world-class facility for the city of Brisbane in late 2025.”
The state government, which has contributed $150m to the $175m project, said it had no idea how much the delay would cost.
“Work is currently under way to review any cost implications of Lendlease’s updated program,” an Arts Queensland spokeswoman said.
“Consideration on any additional funding required will be given in due course.”
The installation of a bespoke all-glass facade inspired by the serpentine shape of the Brisbane River is under way.
It will cover 2400sq m, with the largest panel weighing 2.4 tonnes, and span three floors more than 7m in length.
Mr Paterson said the facade installation would take about 12 months, with the project anticipated to be complete by late 2025.
He said the state-of-the-art theatre would redefine the landscape of performing arts in Australia and position QPAC to become the nation’s largest performing arts precinct.
When completed, QPAC will feature five venues.
Controversial councillor’s ‘absurd’ conduct probes cost ratepayers $140k
Gold Coast ratepayers have forked out $140,000 to fund multiple conduct investigations into just one councillor, as she calls for an urgent shake-up of the system.
Rivals clash over job losses, $105m battery switch-off
Job losses and the scrapping of Queensland’s battery industry strategy are the hot topics on day three of Budget Estimates, as Cameron Dick goes head-to-head with Jarrod Bleijie.