All eyes are on centre stage for WSPAC

We went behind-the-scenes at the construction of the Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre, which is due to open later this year.

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With the Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre due to open in 10 months, the construction site in Rooty Hill is a constant hub of activity.

WSPAC executive director Craig McMaster said the centre was on track to open at the end of the year.

“We’re currently just doing the final roof trussing and the main steel work, once that is done the roof will go on over the next couple of months,” he said.

Craig McMaster on the mezzanine balcony overlooking the stage at the WSPAC. Picture: Angelo Velardo

The entry bridge linking the centre with the Rooty Hill RSL will then be installed, followed by the interior fit-out.

“That’s when things really start to ramp up, so over the next six months as we head towards our pre-opening period we’ll see a real escalation of activity on the site,” Mr McMaster said.

Plans for the centre — which has been self-funded by the Rooty Hill RSL — were first revealed in November 2017.

Once completed, the venue will include a 2000-seat theatre, seven bars, an orchestra pit, an on-site rehearsal room and 11 dressing rooms.

Centre management hope to attract major theatre productions and concerts to the state of the art venue.

“We’re really excited with the building we’re building out here, it’s one of the technically most advanced theatres that will be put in this country for many, many years,” McMaster said.

Building the $100 million facility is no small feat and the materials required are massive; some 1380 sqm of glass panelling, 1350 tonnes of steel, and 278 concrete panels will be installed by the time it opens.