Proposed stage of the Lyric Theatre.
QPAC, part of the hub of Brisbane’s cultural centre, is going through a $34 million upgrade from November to early March 2009. The refurbishment concentrates on the Lyric Theatre and the Concert Hall but it will be business as usual in the Playhouse, Cremorne Theatre and Tony Gould Gallery.
Music, theatre, dance and opera lovers can look forward to new seating in the Lyric Theatre and the Concert Hall, as well as improved access for patrons with a disability. There’ll be a new central lift, a new stage and lighting and acoustics upgrades. Hurrah!
Wheelchair patrons can look forward to a choice of seating locations in the refurbished theatres instead of being relegated to the back row of the stalls as they have been.
We’ve been assured that the Playhouse, Cremorne Theatre and Tony Gould Gallery will continue to host outstanding performances throughout the refurbishment. Ballet, theatre, exhibitions, Christmas concerts and more will ensure QPAC remains vibrant throughout the summer months. Some of the shows to look forward to include the Sydney Dance Company in Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade, Swan Lake and Christmas in Concert.
Work in progress
There will be some changes to vehicle and pedestrian access to the building during the refurbishment:
- the QPAC tunnel will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles
- all public car parks will remain open
- entry to the Performing Arts car park will be from Grey Street via Russell Street or from Melbourne Street
- the qtix box office counter will be relocated to the Playhouse
Key Dates:
8 November
- QPAC tunnel closes to vehicular traffic and pedestrians
- Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall close for refurbishment
- qtix box office relocates to the Playhouse
- Safety barriers installed around exterior of QPAC at the corner of Melbourne and Grey streets
March 2009
- Newly refurbished Concert Hall re-opens with QUT graduations
- Lyric Theatre reopens with Chicago, The Musical
