Henning Larsen-led team selected to redesign Canberra Theatre Centre

Henning Larsen has been announced to lead the renovation of the 58-year-old Canberra Theatre Centre in Australia.

The firm will couple with Arup and Architectus for the transformative project, which will makeover the country’s oldest performing arts venue in a month of construction that results in a more inclusive multi-purpose events space anchor of the city’s future Civic and Cultural District.

The project team will consult with representatives from First Nations groups on its development. 

"Together with Architectus and Arup, we’ve approached the design with great care considering the architecture, interior design, and landscaping to create a vibrant and inclusive place that honors the history and beauty of the land," said Henning Larsen’s Design Director Viggo Haremst. "A cultural hub that celebrates the community, its diverse heritage, and artistic expression, where people come together to share in the power of performance and storytelling."

The design appears to include a striking new facade treatment that the firm says is a reference to the "formal landmarks" of the city of almost 400,000.

The Australian Capital Territory's Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne said the project will "bring us closer to our vision for Canberra to be recognized as Australia’s arts capital."

"It has been great to see how the Design Partner has understood and shares our vision for a world-class venue with architectural excellence befitting its location as the heart of the planned Canberra Civic and Cultural District," she continued. "Our vision for the renewed Canberra Theatre Centre will support the growth of Canberra’s live performance sector by creating spaces for artists and arts workers to develop, rehearse, and perform productions."

This follows the firm's 2019 Cockle Bay Park development in Sydney and a previously-completed academic building at Brisbane's Queensland University of Technology as its latest project in the country. 

Design and preconstruction processes will stretch into 2024 with no specific completion date given at this point.