Main construction works
Construction of a new lyric theatre in the city centre is now underway. The new venue is located northwest of the current Canberra Theatre Centre, bordering Northbourne Avenue and Vernon Circle.
Construction activity
Site establishment and early works started on 14 October 2025.
Main construction started in January 2026, with project completion planned for 2028.
Upcoming construction activities over May and June 2026 include:
- Bulk excavation
- Installation of two tower cranes, with Tower Crane 1 scheduled in early May, followed by Tower Crane 2 later in May.
Impacts
Impacts while this work happens are:
- Moderate to high intermittent noise in the area.
- Knowles Place is closed next to The Playhouse during service diversions. Emergency pedestrian exit will remain available via North Building.
- The footpath along the outer edge Vernon Circle and the footbridge from Civic Square is closed to pedestrians.
- Theatre Lane, behind The Playhouse is closed to pedestrians and vehicles.
- The Playhouse loading dock is closed in the north, all stage deliveries will occur from the southern side.
- There will be an increase in heavy vehicle traffic during construction hours as trucks will be entering the site from London Circuit and exiting the site directly onto Northbourne Avenue.
Traffic control and signage will be in place to assist drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Canberra Theatre Centre remains open
The Canberra Theatre Centre remains open during construction so the community can continue to enjoy performances and drop into one of the many local businesses in the area.
Visit Travel Impacts for more information and alternative travel options.
Visit the City Services - Parking website for updated car parking information including accessible car parking locations.
Information on parking fees and hours of operation for ACT Government carparks visit Access Canberra Parking Fees page. Visit Access Canberra’s Paying for Parking page for information on how to pay for parking in Canberra.