The expansion of the Belconnen Arts Centre has been completed on time and on budget, with positive impacts from the project already being realised. Over 150 local contractors and 42 local businesses delivered the $15 million upgrade which will lead to more performances, more exhibitions and more community events.
Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events, Gordon Ramsay, said the completion of the expansion was an important moment for the local arts community.
“The newly improved Belconnen Arts Centre is a facility that has been delivered by Canberrans for Canberrans,” Minister Ramsay commented “We’ve increased the exhibition space by more than 160 square metres which means an additional ten exhibitions per year as well as providing opportunities for multi-media art practices. The new flexible theatre space can hold up to 400 seated patrons. A number of stage and seating configurations are possible to allow for a variety of audience experiences such as theatre in the round or more conventional stage and seating layouts.”
The Minister pointed out that other new facilities include theatre dressing rooms, bathrooms and a green room, a new rehearsal space, a loading dock and an events kitchen.
Minister Ramsay said the Belconnen Arts Centre expansion is part of the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to the arts.
“The ACT Government is proud to provide the opportunities and facilities needed to support Canberra’s arts community,” Minister Ramsay commented “Not only will the new Centre lead to more performances, exhibitions and events, but it will create an extra three jobs for arts workers. The benefits will be felt right across the Belconnen Town Centre and the broader community.”
The Minister said that a range of arts facilities across Canberra will also receive minor upgrades and maintenance works as part of the Government’s fast-track infrastructure program. The program is helping deliver more jobs to Canberrans and supporting local business during COVID-19.
More than 50 Canberrans from 7 local businesses have already been engaged to deliver projects including:
• improvements to the functionality and safety of heritage windows at Ainslie Arts Centre
• upgrades to toilet facilities at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Watson Arts Centre, Canberra Contemporary Arts Space (Manuka) and Megalo Print Studio
• replacing existing light fixtures with more energy-efficient LED fittings at various facilities
• improvements to the Canberra Glassworks foyer space
• drainage works to improve safety at the entry to Tuggeranong Arts Centre
• improvements to heritage‑listed cottages at Lanyon.