Geelong Arts Centre Unveils $140 Million Redevelopment

The red carpet is out and this weekend the Geelong Arts Centre raises the curtain on its $140 million Little Malop Street redevelopment – backed by the Andrews Labor Government

Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos joined Member for Geelong Christine Couzens and special guests Rachel Griffiths AM, Jessica Mauboy and Dilruk Jayasinha to preview the new spaces and facilities and kick off the month-long opening festival of art, music, theatre and community events.

The Little Malop Street redevelopment has created Australia’s largest dedicated regional performing arts centre and established a new landmark for Geelong. Construction created around 600 jobs and the project includes two new theatres alongside new bars and event spaces and a dining destination called Tutti.

Doors open to the public tomorrow, and everyone is invited to be part of the celebrations. Two sold out Grand Opening Showcase events lead the festival featuring multi-ARIA-Award winning R&B singer Jessica Mauboy, and an Australian comedy triple header starring Dave Thornton, Dilruk Jayasinha and Lizzy Hoo.

The festival offers something for all tastes and all ages, including community open days and backstage tours, a concert by Missy Higgins, Opera Australia’s The Barber of Seville, a performance from iconic 80s hitmakers Pseudo Echo and Windmill Theatre Company’s new musical puppet show for children and families HICCUP.

The centre is already delivering on its promise to offer even more creative experiences for Geelong audiences, with more than 1,000 events already booked in across its venues in the months ahead.

For more information, and tickets to upcoming performances, visit geelongartscentre.org.au.

“Our $140 million investment is a game changer for Geelong and the region, creating Australia’s largest regional performing arts centre. It sends a signal about the important role creativity will play in Geelong’s future, and acknowledges and celebrates Geelong’s cultural heritage and First Peoples culture,” said Christine Couzens MP for Geelong.