Belvoir Street Theatre plans $14.4 million redevelopment for rehearsal spaces, offices
Multimillion-dollar plans have been revealed to revive Sydney’s Belvoir Street Theatre Warehouse in a move that could address the city’s major shortage of rehearsal and performance spaces.
Central Sydney
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Sydney. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Multimillion-dollar plans have been revealed to revive Sydney’s Belvoir Street Theatre Warehouse in a move to cement the site as a ‘hub’ for cultural and creative uses.
The theatre has released a $14.4m plan to carry out major works to its warehouse building on Elizabeth St including boosting the amount of rehearsal space and adding a new one storey addition.
Plans state the development would strengthen the character of the precinct as a creative hub.
It will also address the “physical deterioration” of the century-old building by bringing it up to modern building standards.
Plans state limitations with the site including “rudimentary” performance and rehearsal spaces.
“The development will result in the sustainable growth of the local creative arts community (and) provide a versatile working space for creative industries,” the plans state.
“It also supports the economic sustainability of the theatre while creating local employment and will extend the activation of the site for longer hours in the evening.”
The plans come as Sydney faces a major shortfall of theatre performance and rehearsal spaces.
The shortages have been highlighted by a study commissioned by the NSW Government which found producers currently wait an average 5.6 years to stage shows in Sydney, compared to 3.7 years in Melbourne.
The development would complement the main Belvoir Street Theatre building located a short walk away on Belvoir St.
Plans show construction works at the site will include adding a new entrance, lobby, office and commercial spaces and an illuminated vertical projecting wall sign facing Elizabeth St.
If approved, the development would support up to 80 permanent theatre staff along with a further 100 employees within the new commercial/office spaces.
The warehouse has been owned by the Belvoir Street Theatre since the early 2000s.
Not just ‘a number’: Cancer treatment centre expands
A leading Sydney cancer institute has unveiled an institute that accelerates research and treats patients like “family”.
‘Throwing fire’: Clover’s council warned over Israel boycott vote
Clover Moore’s City of Sydney Council is set to act on a contentious push by the Greens for a boycott on companies linked with Israel despite being slammed by Jewish leaders as anti-Semitic and divisive.