QPAC sets the stage for a major refurbishment

A $34 million refurbishment of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre is set to enhance its reputation as one of Australia’s best arts venues.

Arts Minister Rod Welford said the refurbishment was much more than a face-lift for the 23-year-old building, with new seating, lighting and acoustics and a central glass lift set to improve the QPAC experience for all.

“The QPAC refurbishment will provide significant and equitable access to arts and cultural activities for all visitors,” Mr Welford said.

“As owner of the Cultural Centre, our Government is proactive in delivering access for everyone. When QPAC was built, disability access standards were only being developed and the building was constructed with multiple staircases and fixed seating.

“The refurbishment, addressing equitable seating and convenient location of public amenities, requires complex engineering solutions.

“The improvements include more seating choices and easier access in the Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall for patrons with a disability and their guests.

“A new central lift will make access easier for all visitors, taking patrons from ground floor entrance to balcony level. The box office and cloak room will also be revamped.”

Mr Welford said the Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall would be closed from November 2008 to February 2009 for maintenance, repairs and overall upgrades.

“While the theatres are closed, we have this vital opportunity to upgrade the lighting and acoustics and install a modular stage for the Lyric Theatre,” he said.

“These upgrades will cement QPAC’s reputation as one of Australia’s best venues for the performing arts.”

Mr Welford said QPAC’s Playhouse and Cremorne theatres will stay open throughout the refurbishment, with business as usual throughout the Cultural Centre.

Abigroup is the managing contractor with Cox Rayner as architect and principal consultant.

The scope of the QPAC refurbishments will include:

Ground level
• A new ramp access from Grey Street to the Melbourne Street courtyards and the main entrance lobby
• Installation of a new central glass lift providing access to balcony level
• Stage door tunnel to become pedestrian access only
• New entrance lobby off the Melbourne Street courtyard with access also from the existing tunnel
• Orientation of entrance stairs will change to face the Melbourne Street entrance, giving a sense of arrival, and be extended to serve upper foyer levels
• Upgrading of existing Concert Hall and Lyric lifts
• Upgraded food and beverage facilities in QPAC courtyard

Box office level
• New box office and cloak room that are people with disability (PWD) compliant
• Additional toilets including unisex PWD facilities

Main Foyer
• The bar areas for the Concert Hall and the Lyric Theatre to be refurbished and PWD compliant

Balcony level
• New central glass lift allowing direct access to balconies including new wheelchair seating positions
• Converting existing toilets to unisex PWD toilets

Concert Hall
• New seating throughout stalls
• New architectural lighting
• Acoustic upgrades
• Production, Occupational Health and Safety improvements, including a new winch system
• Additional wheelchair seating positions in the central stalls
• New balcony wheelchair seating positions

Lyric Theatre
• New seating throughout stalls
• Acoustic treatment for walls
• New modular stage
• New architectural lighting
• Production, Occupational Health and Safety improvements
• Additional wheelchair seating positions in the central stalls
• New balcony wheelchair seating positions

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000