Subject to NCA approval, site establishment and early work on the construction of a new theatre in the area northwest of the current Canberra Theatre Centre, bordering Northbourne Avenue and Vernon Circle will start in October, with main construction underway early next year.

Concept images of the theatre are part of the main Works Approval application, which has been lodged with the National Capital Authority (NCA) and is now on public exhibition until October 20.

The government says the 2000-seat theatre will be “a significant venue for Canberra – providing a theatre that enables world-class performances to be held in our city.”

“The detailed design also responds to the needs of the people who will watch performances, the performers who will take the stage, and the staff who will work in the venue, which has been guided by extensive community consultation throughout the planning and design process.

The detailed design includes:

• Seating for up to 2000 people across three levels: stalls, dress circle and balcony
• Accessible seating on every level
• Equitable building access
• More bathrooms than required, including all-gender facilities
• A modern orchestra pit that can be adjusted for different performance sizes.

“With seating for up to 2000 people, the theatre will also deliver the scale and sophistication needed to attract the major productions our community has been waiting for.

Public consultation  can be made here.