QPAC $150 million theatre development moves a step closer

Brisbane’s new $150 million theatre is a step closer to becoming a reality after the state government put a call out for a key role in the next stage of the delivery of the project.

Artist's concept of what the future QPAC theatre could look like. Picture: BrisbaneDevelopment.com

Brisbane’s new $150 million theatre is a step closer after the state government called for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for a principal design consultant today.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the opening of EOIs for the new theatre was the next step in the Government’s $125 million commitment to delivering a new theatre in Brisbane.

“The new $150 million theatre will deliver a new 1500-1700 seat theatre for Queensland audiences,” the Premier said.

“The new theatre is a significant infrastructure project for South Brisbane and for Queensland that will leave a lasting mark on the state’s cultural landscape.”

Things have been a bit quiet since the excitement of the announcement of the project in May and recently QPAC has been busy hosting Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company from Italy as part of the 2018 QPAC International Series. But now things are moving again and we are inching closer to the theatre becoming a reality but of course first someone has to design it.

Minister for Arts Leeanne Enoch said the EOI presented an opportunity for those interested in being involved with the design of this exciting project.

“It will also bolster our visitor economy by enhancing our ability to share the state’s unique local stories and arts product at our iconic Queensland Cultural Centre,” the Minister said.

“Following the completion of the EOI, consultants will be short-listed to develop concept designs as part of the next stage Request for Tender (RFT) process in 2019.

“Throughout the EOI and Request for Tender processes, Government will be looking for a high-quality design that complements the existing QPAC building. We will also expect the new theatre to be a distinct structure while respecting the original architectural intent of the heritage listed Queensland Cultural Centre site.”

The new theatre, which would be located next to the Playhouse in the QPAC complex, can’t come soon enough with QPAC booked solidly and the arrival of big shows delayed until there’s room for them.

The delivery of the new theatre is being managed by Department of Housing and Public Work’s Project Delivery team on behalf of QPAC and Arts Queensland.

The EOI closes at 2pm on 14 December 2018.

To submit an EOI for the new theatre (the NPAV Principal Consultant and Sub-consultant Design Team) go to the QTenders website at hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders