Rockhampton's Pilbeam Theatre car park is being upgraded to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety.
Works will begin on Monday 5 January, with residents and visitors advised of potential traffic delays, noise, and changed access to the area.
The upgrades, which include resurfacing of the car park, new pedestrian crossings from the car park to the Theatre, improved disability access and widening of Quay Lane, will support the ongoing use of the Pilbeam Theatre.
The car park upgrades are part of a three-part package of works at the Pilbeam Theatre, made possible thanks to $6.2 million in funding from the Queensland Government's Works for Queensland program.
Council has approved 24 hour works Monday to Friday throughout January, to shorten the project's timeline and minimise disruption to the Pilbeam Theatre and wider community.
Weather dependent, the aim is to have the car park upgrades completed by early February in time for the Pilbeam Theatre's 2026 season.
The full three-part package of works includes a roof replacement completed in August 2025, the car park upgrades and a chiller system upgrade, also scheduled for completion by February 2026.
The upgrades include:
- Resealing of the car park surface.
- Widening of Quay Lane for improved resident and visitor access
- Installation of a new pedestrian crossing and concrete paths between the car park and Pilbeam Theatre
- Improved disability access.
To complete these works, the following changes will be in place:
- 24-hour works, 6am Monday to 6pm Friday, which may result in some noise impacts
- Closure of Quay Lane, from Cambridge Street for the full length of the carpark, for the duration of the works.
- Closure of sections of the car park - 50% of spaces will remain available at all times
- Access to Pilbeam Theatre will be via the front entrance only (Victoria Parade)
- Pedestrian access will be through signed pathways only.
- Alternative parking can be accessed in nearby streets including Victoria Parade, Cambridge and Bolsover Streets.
Council thanks the community for their patience during these works and apologises for any inconvenience caused to adjacent residents and businesses.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Families and Seniors and Central Queensland, and Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland MP
"Supporting councils to deliver vital infrastructure is at the heart of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to Queenslanders."
"The Pilbeam Theatre is an iconic building in Rockhampton, and it's great to see the upgrades progressing - especially those that ensure the space is inclusive and accessible for all members of our community."
"It's why the Crisafulli Government made the Works for Queensland program a permanent funding stream, so councils can deliver for communities just like ours. I'm supportive of Council's investment in critical infrastructure that makes a real difference in Rockhampton."
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams
"The Pilbeam Theatre has been a source of pride in our community for decades, and we're making targeted improvements to continue its life, thanks to support from the Queensland Government."
"These upgrades are about making sure it's easier to get to, and better equipped to keep hosting great events for years to come.
"We know construction can be a bit of a hassle, so we're doing everything we can to get it done quickly and with as little disruption as possible."
Communities Culture and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson
"The Pilbeam Theatre has served our community well, and these upgrades will extend the life of this iconic building to ensure we have a strong home for the arts in Rockhampton."
