First look at $14.4m upgrade of ‘deteriorating’ theatre

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.

from Daily Telegraph https://ift.tt/bAY1nJc

October 03, 2023 at 11:30PM
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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.