Designs Unveiled for Canberra’s New Lyric Theatre

Detailed plans have been released for Canberra’s new lyric theatre, a landmark venue set to host major musicals, ballets and operas.

The theatre will seat up to 2,000 people and feature a state-of-the-art orchestra pit that can be adjusted for different performance sizes. Inspired by Canberra’s natural landmarks, the design also includes accessible seating on every level, equitable building access and more bathrooms than required, including all-gender facilities.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the project would give the capital the “scale and sophistication” needed to attract world-class productions. “This will be a significant venue for Canberra, providing a theatre that enables world-class performances to be held in our city,” he said.

Barr added that the design reflects the local landscape and celebrates First Nations culture through its use of natural forms and textures. He emphasized that the plans were shaped by extensive community consultation to meet the needs of audiences, performers and staff alike.

The detailed designs have been lodged with the National Capital Authority as part of the Works Approval process. The theatre will be built on the site of the current Theatre Lane car park, bordering Northbourne Avenue and Vernon Circle. The car park will close next month to allow early works to begin, with main construction expected to start early next year.