Canberra Theatre Centre Study

artsACT
Canberra ACT, in Ngunnawal country
2015
$150m contract budget

WRA completed the concept design for a new 2000 seat Lyric Theatre and a 300 seat Studio Theatre in the heart of the Canberra civic and retail centre, accommodating up to 3650 people.  

The new theatre is intended to attract major opera, ballet, and musical theatre productions to Canberra, while the Studio Theatre will replace the ageing Courtyard Theatre. It adjoins the Playhouse Theatre, creating a shared backstage zone for all three theatres. 

The new building fronts onto the significant Northbourne Avenue and Vernon Circle junction, addressing City Hill park. Urban design requirements of the National Capital Authority govern the significant site. As a major civic and entertainment building, the project demands landmark design. 

WRA previously undertook concept design for the 2008 Business Case for the new theatre, and alternative site evaluations in 2012.