- Published:
- Tuesday 1 September 2020
The Victorian Government is investing in jobs in Geelong with a builder appointed and works set to commence on Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street Redevelopment.
The Government today announced the appointment of major property company Lendlease to deliver the $128 million project.
Lendlease’s ‘Geelong First’ commitment will put local partnerships, skills and innovation at the heart of the project and will ensure local suppliers and tradespeople, including social enterprises, are invited to tender on works packages throughout construction.
The company will participate in the GROW initiative that works to reduce unemployment and promote the social prosperity of the region.
Lendlease has a long history of delivering major cultural projects throughout Australia, including Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, the Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company, and University of Melbourne’s Ian Potter Southbank Centre.
The Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street Redevelopment is funded by the Government and will transform the existing building – providing new performance venues, vibrant new indoor and outdoor areas, dining options, box office and front and back of house facilities.
Designed by award-winning Victorian architects ARM, it is set to be another striking addition to Geelong’s cultural landscape, furthering the city’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Design.
The project design is being informed by the guidance of the Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung people, to ensure that their history, culture and connected to the site are clearly reflected in the new centre.
The project will now start a period of investigation and planning to further develop the design and plan construction. Works are scheduled to get under way on site in late 2020 and the new centre is expected to open by 2023.
For further information regarding Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street Redevelopment, visit development.vic.gov.au/GAC.
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street transformation will bring new jobs, economic activity and opportunities to the region – during its construction phase and beyond.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“This project is a game-changer for the Geelong Arts Centre and the cultural life of our region. More than that, it’s a boon for our economy and for local jobs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
"As we recover and rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19, Geelong Arts Centre's role will be more important than ever. This redevelopment will open up new experiences, new world-class facilities and new opportunities for our region."