A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver the final stage of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) redevelopment, creating local jobs, bringing top acts to Geelong and giving community groups a stage to shine.
Geelong is a great place to live and more Victorians are moving to our state’s second largest city for good jobs and a better lifestyle.
Only Labor will deliver the big projects that will continue to see Geelong grow and that locals deserve in a major city – including a vibrant arts and cultural precinct.
We said we would transform GPAC into a world-class venue and we are. The Andrews Labor Government has already funded the first two stages of GPAC’s redevelopment, with work currently underway on the $38.5 million second stage, which includes a new foyer, bar area and four rehearsal studios on the Ryrie Street side.
There is more to do and only Labor will deliver the third and final stage of GPAC’s redevelopment to give Geelong the arts and cultural facilities that help make a city great.
It will include a 500-seat drama theatre, new 250 seat courtyard theatre, a new black box theatre, an outdoor atrium, more dining options, an upgraded box office and refurbished back of house and administration facilities.
The $128 million project will cover around two thirds of the site, with most of the work focussing on the Little Malop Street side of the building.
The project will create around 600 construction jobs and more than 300 ongoing local jobs in the tourism and service industries. Work will start in 2020 and be completed by 2023.
As noted by Premier Daniel Andrews
"Good jobs, entertainment, arts and sports all combine to make a city a great place to live, and only Labor will keep delivering that for Geelong."
As noted by Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
"We’re revitalising Geelong’s arts and culture precinct and GPAC’s redevelopment is a key part of that, creating hundreds of jobs and providing a world-class venue."
As noted by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
"Only Labor will give Geelong students and community groups a first-class performing arts centre they can use in their own backyard. This is also great for local jobs and our economic prosperity."
As noted by Member for Lara John Eren
"The Liberals abandoned Geelong – they cut TAFE, closed local schools, privatised hospital care and did nothing while their Liberal colleagues in Canberra shut down the auto industry, cutting thousands of jobs. Only Labor will invest in the projects Geelong needs."
As noted by Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
"This is a win for the whole region – whether you live in Geelong, the Surf Coast or Bellarine Peninsula, you’ll no longer have to travel to Melbourne to see the best acts from around Australia and the world."
