New home planned for Australia's capital of culture

The design by Tenderstream members Henning Larsen and Arup, together with Architectus, has been selected to become the new home of Australia’s capital of culture – Canberra Theatre Centre. The team’s design will transform the current centre into a vibrant, multi-event, all-inclusive space that will be the anchor project for the future of Canberra’s civic and cultural district, creating an internationally recognised arts precinct.

In consultation with First Nations peoples, the consortium of design leaders will establish community spaces and a world-class destination for artists and audiences, with a vision that reflects and represents diverse cultures and voices. Commenting on the win, Henning Larsen partner and design director, Viggo Haremst, stated: “We are honoured to have been selected for the renewal of the Canberra Theatre Centre. Our design ambition is for the centre to become a national landmark and an international destination, drawing artists and audiences from around the world to Canberra’s new cultural heart. Together with Architectus and Arup, we’ve approached the design with great care considering the architecture, interior design and landscaping to create a vibrant and inclusive place that honours the history and beauty of the land. A cultural hub that celebrates the community, its diverse heritage, and artistic expression, where people come together to share in the power of performance and storytelling.”

The winning tender included early preliminary designs that depict a new theatre building with a bold and sophisticated façade treatment, which references Canberra landmarks. ACT government chief minister, Andrew Barr, looks forward to seeing the designs take shape, saying: "The renewed and expanded venues will attract events and performances that currently by-pass Canberra because our current facilities are too small. Our city will be able to host the top tier productions we currently miss, including contemporary music, comedy, circus, musicals, ballet and opera."

Design, consultation and approval processes will continue into 2024 and will inform planning for the project’s construction phase.

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 01.09.2022 here

Start your free trial here or email our team directly at customerservices@tenderstream.com