Kane Constructions was awarded the $29 million Design and Construct contract for Stage 2 of the Geelong Arts Centre Ryrie Street Redevelopment.
Opened in 1981, the Geelong Arts Centre had outgrown its original facilities, necessitating significant upgrades to meet the evolving needs of the expanding Geelong community and its future growth projections.
The Stage 2 Redevelopment involved the demolition of outdated buildings and the construction of a state-of-the-art facility on Ryrie Street. Under the guidance of HASSELL Architects and key consultants appointed by the Geelong Arts Centre Trust in collaboration with Development Victoria, the project was meticulously executed.
Building on the 2009 Geelong Arts Centre Redevelopment Masterplan, which envisaged a comprehensive refurbishment of the site, Kane Constructions previously completed Stage 1 in 2010, focusing on the internal refurbishment of the existing Playhouse Theatre.
The Stage 2 objectives were achieved through the following key components:
- Demolition of the existing Band of Hope and Mechanics Institute Building
- Revealing the façade of the historic former church building
- Construction of a new double-height foyer on Ryrie Street, enhancing access to the Playhouse Theatre
- Addition of a new floor dedicated to the Creative Industries
- Development of new studio and rehearsal spaces
- Ensuring universal access to the Playhouse balcony, studio spaces, and church
Throughout the redevelopment, the Geelong Arts Centre remained fully operational, ensuring uninterrupted cultural services to the community.
The project achieved Practical Completion in late 2019, marking a significant milestone in the centre's history and its ongoing commitment to serving Geelong's vibrant arts scene.
