Released 15/08/2026 - Joint media release
Construction of Canberra's new lyric theatre has reached a significant milestone, with foundation works nearing completion and the building beginning to emerge above ground.
This marks an important step forward for the city-shaping project, which will deliver a world-class performing arts venue in the heart of Canberra.
The 2,000-seat theatre will strengthen the city's position on the national touring circuit and create new opportunities for audiences, artists and the wider creative sector.
With construction completion scheduled for 2028, the new lyric theatre will have larger capacity than existing theatres at the Canberra Theatre Centre, allowing Canberra to host major national and international musicals, ballet shows, operas and international touring productions and acts that currently can’t come to Canberra.
Since construction commenced in January this year, our delivery partner Multiplex has completed the installation of deep foundation piles, excavation of basement areas and significant structural concrete works.
The deepest excavation point on the site – the orchestra pit – is also complete, and essential services are being installed, including stormwater systems, sewer infrastructure, lift shafts and other utility connections that will support the safe and efficient operation of the theatre.
With foundation works approaching completion, construction has now progressed to the theatre's stage and floor structures, which will be followed by installation of the roof and façade, giving the theatre its distinctive architectural identity.
Throughout 2027, work will then move to the interior, including seating, stage infrastructure and technical systems that will bring the venue’s performance spaces to life.
The theatre’s design reflects extensive engagement undertaken throughout the project, including consultation with First Nations stakeholders, people with disability and their advocates, multicultural communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, performing arts stakeholders and future venue users.
The design also reflects a strong connection to Canberra's natural landscape and cultural history. The materials and colours seen in the design have been inspired by the Canberra region, including:
- the woodlands of Black Mountain
- the granite of Birrigai and Namadgi
- the ochres of Mount Ainslie, and
- the textures of the Molonglo River corridor.
In addition, a large triangular skylight above the main staircase will bring natural light into the foyer and maintain a connection to the sky.
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.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
"Canberrans are highly engaged in arts, culture and live performance, and this milestone brings us another step closer to delivering a world-class cultural venue for our city.
"The design and progress of construction show the scale and ambition of this project. It will help attract major productions that currently bypass Canberra and bring more world-class experiences to local audiences.
“This isn’t just an investment in arts and culture. By year five of operation, the new lyric theatre is projected to contribute almost $34 million each year to Canberra’s economy and generate more than 111,000 visitor nights annually. The venue will attract new visitors, support local restaurants, cafes, hotels and businesses, and create jobs across the arts, events and hospitality sectors.
“The new theatre, along with other major projects such as the National Convention and Entertainment Centre, is central to our vision for a connected and thriving city centre.
"Together, these once-in-a-generation projects are part of our plan for Canberra – helping to reshape our city centre, support jobs and economic growth, and create new reasons for people to spend time in the city.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and the Night-Time Economy Michael Pettersson:
"Earlier this week, I visited the 67-seat Mill Theatre to announce new funding for local arts organisations. At the same time, we're building a new, 2000-seat, world class venue.
“From local artists to international tours, we're making a generational investment in Canberra's cultural life."
Quotes attributable to Multiplex Regional Director Harry Young:
"With foundation works nearing completion, Canberra's new lyric theatre is emerging from the ground, marking an exciting milestone for our team and this city-shaping project.
“As structural works progress, the community will start to see the four-level, purpose-built theatre take shape and the vision for a world-class performing arts destination become a reality.
“The project has been shaped by extensive engagement with First Nations communities, and the burial of the ashes from the smoking ceremony reflects the project’s enduring connection to Country and the cultural significance embedded in its design from the outset."
Quotes attributable to Canberra Theatre Centre Executive Director Georgia Hendy:
"This is an exciting moment for Canberra as we move closer to welcoming a venue unlike anything this city has seen before, transforming what our Nation’s Capital has to offer audiences and artists alike.
“With greater capacity and contemporary facilities, this new venue will enable us to attract major productions, strengthening the city's place on the national touring circuit while delivering an exceptional experience for audiences from the moment they walk through the doors.
“The new lyric theatre will allow Canberra Theatre Centre to further enrich our city’s cultural life, support the continued growth of our local creative sector and ensure future generations can continue to experience unforgettable live performances right here in our Nation's Capital."
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases