Early works have been completed and ground has been broken on Canberra's new lyric theatre, marking the start of main construction works for this significant addition to the Canberra Theatre Centre precinct.
The new theatre will be purpose built to stage large scale theatrical shows. It will have a large state-of-the-art stage, technical performance capability and excellent sound quality, like that of the Sydney Lyric Theatre and the Princess Theatre in Melbourne.
It will enable Canberra to host major national and international musicals, contemporary music, ballet, operas and other large productions that currently can't come to Canberra, delivering strong economic and visitor benefits.
Main construction activity now underway includes major service diversions for stormwater, gas and electrical systems at the junction of Knowles Place and Theatre Lane.
Piling works have also begun with two piling rigs on site. More than 200 shoring piles and approximately 75 footing piles will be installed, including eight footing piles for two tower cranes.
Once foundation works are complete, structural construction will progress across the theatre's four floors, followed by installation of the roof and façade, which will give the theatre its distinctive architectural identity.
Throughout 2027, work will move to the interior, including seating, stage infrastructure and technical systems that will bring the venue's performance spaces to life.
Early works, which began in October 2025, included installation of site hoarding and preparation, delivery of a temporary power battery, establishment of the site compound, service relocations and the installation and commissioning of a temporary loading dock to ensure performances at The Playhouse can continue throughout construction.
The new lyric theatre is part of a significant transformation of the City Centre, including light rail expansion, new active transport connections, new multi-level car parks, new commercial buildings, new and renewed public spaces, a new university campus, major cultural infrastructure and thousands of new homes.
The new lyric theatre is planned for completion in 2028, with the Canberra Theatre Centre remaining open for the duration of the project.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
"Canberrans are highly engaged in cultural activities. We boast Australia's highest rate of attendance at cultural venues and events.
"The new theatre will be a major driver of Canberra's cultural and tourism economies, creating hundreds of jobs during the construction and operational phases.
"Research from the Tourism & Transport Forum highlights the ability of live theatre to drive interstate travel, with nearly half of Australians (42%) saying they're willing to travel to see a production.
"This project is also a key part of the transformation of our city centre. It will support the night-time economy, bringing thousands of people into to the city centre each night, over the hundreds of nights it will be used throughout year.
"It's a timely investment in our visitor economy and our cultural identity."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries Michael Pettersson:
"This is an exciting time for live performance in Canberra, with construction kicking off on a new world‑class cultural venue that will transform the city's theatre landscape.
"We have many wonderful performance spaces across our city, however, none are big enough to attract major shows.
"The new lyric theatre will not only be capable of securing Canberra a highly competitive place on the national touring circuit and helping draw audiences from across the country, but it also has the potential to open up opportunities for people working in our local performing arts scene."
Quotes attributable to Regional Director for Multiplex Harry Young:
"We're delighted to be moving into the construction phase of this world‑class performing arts venue for Canberrans.
"Having recently delivered the Canberra Hospital Expansion Project and the University of Canberra Public Hospital, we'll be drawing on our global and local experience to progress on site and leave a legacy that will benefit the community for years to come."
