The ACT Government has announced budget funding for the Canberra Theatre; a new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre; the Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct; and Exhibition Park.

“The ACT Government is building once-in-a-century infrastructure projects as part of our long-term plan for Canberra’s future,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

“These projects will provide opportunities for communities to come together and connect through the arts and events. This contributes to our world-leading quality of life.”

Canberra Theatre Centre project

The ACT Government is building a new 2,000-seat theatre, suitable for circus, musicals, and ballet, comparable to Australia’s largest theatres; refurbishing the Playhouse; making the Canberra Theatre a flexible venue that can host a broad range of performances, concerts, and events; and expanding the Courtyard Studio.

The government states that it will make Civic a better live entertainment and hospitality destination, and create jobs in the arts, hospitality, and construction.

Through an early contractor involvement (ECI) delivery model, the ACT Government will engage an industry partner to work with Major Projects Canberra to deliver the project.

A two-stage procurement process will start in July. The government will seek construction approvals for the redevelopment next year.

“It is exciting to see this project progress to this stage,” Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, said. “As the centrepiece of the Civic and Cultural District, it is a city-shaping project – not just in physical presence but in what it will deliver for the arts, arts workers, our audiences, and our creative economy throughout all of Canberra.

“Engaging the construction industry through this model is a critical milestone. Taking a collaborative approach to the build is appropriate for a project of this significance, integrating the design and construction, optimising delivery outcomes and timeframes, and providing value for money.”

Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre

The government announced last year that it would develop a Convention Centre Precinct to replace the 35-year-old National Convention Centre, which is operating at full capacity. The precinct would include new convention facilities and an indoor, 7,500-seat Entertainment Pavilion suitable for live music and major indoor sporting events. This would, the government stated, be a premier destination for business events, support Canberra as a knowledge economy, create jobs in the visitor economy, and enhance Canberra’s night-life.

Budget funding will enable the Government to plan and develop the Centre. It will be part of an events and entertainment precinct in the south-east of the CBD, where the convention centre and the Canberra Olympic Pool are now.

The ageing Canberra Olympic Pool will be replaced with aquatic facilities in Commonwealth Park.

“The proposed new Convention and Entertainment Centre in Canberra’s CBD is a key, city shaping project that will define the city centre,” Mr Barr said.  

“Planning and design work to get the project investment ready is the next step outlined in the ACT Government’s infrastructure pipeline.

“The project is an important asset for our local tourism and business sector, while the entertainment centre will ensure that Canberra is a much more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment. 

“As Canberra’s population nears half a million people, we are getting on with the job of building our city’s future.”

Bruce Sports, Health, and Education Precinct

The ACT Government intends to build an expanded sports, health and education precinct in Bruce, linking the Australian Institute of Sport, a modern 30,000-seat stadium, a renewed CIT Bruce campus, University of Canberra, and a new Northside Hospital.

The ACT Government intends to partner with the Commonwealth Government to develop a mixed-use urban renewal precinct, with housing, commercial, hospitality and retail opportunities to support sport, health and education infrastructure projects.

Exhibition Park

The $4.6 million upgrade to the Fitzroy Pavilion has begun, to make the building suitable for large scale events, weddings and festivals. The refurbished Pavilion will re-open for community use soon.

The government will design a new large-scale multipurpose function centre, promised at the 2020 election. The main entrance of EPIC will be relocated to opposite the light rail stop, improving access to the venue for large events.

The government has established the Thoroughbred Park Housing and Revitalisation Steering Committee to advise government on how the master planning at EPIC will interface with residential, commercial, and equine activities at Canberra Thoroughbred Park, earmarked for urban renewal.