In brief:

• A new lyric theatre is being built in Canberra’s city centre.
• The new lyric theatre will attract major productions, boost visitation and create new jobs.
• Multiplex has been awarded the main construction works contract.

Design and construction planning is progressing for a new lyric theatre in the city centre.

The new theatre is part of a transformation to Canberra’s City Centre, which includes the light rail expansion, new public spaces and the new aquatic centre.

A lyric theatre will enable Canberra to host major national and international productions.

What is a lyric theatre?

A lyric theatre is a venue built to accommodate large-scale performances such as musicals, ballet and opera.

Lyric theatres have bigger stages, larger seating capacity and better sound for the audience.

With the addition of a lyric theatre, the ACT will attract major national and international touring productions, so the community won’t have to travel interstate.

Design and planning

The new lyric theatre will be built on the northern side of The Playhouse.

To shape the planning and design, the ACT Government did a broad community consultation.

They also worked closely with First Nations peoples, people with disability/advocates, multicultural and LGBTQIA+ communities.

The new theatre will include:

• a spacious stage to accommodate large sets and casts
• a modern orchestra pit for live music
• excellent acoustics for an enjoyable sound experience
• three levels of seating (up to 2,000 seats)
• modern and inclusive amenities
• facilities for ticketing, cloaking and merchandise
• accessible seating, ramps and lifts
• hospitality offerings
• a sustainable, green star all-electric design
• design elements that celebrate First Nations Connection to Country.

To learn how community consultation influenced the theatre’s design, visit the Your Say website.

If you’d like to see the vision, you can now look at the latest concept designs for the theatre.

What’s the latest update?

The National Capital Authority has provided main construction Works Approval on the new lyric theatre.

Construction firm Multiplex has been awarded the contract for the main construction works due to start in early 2026 and completion in 2028.

Multiplex started early works in October 2025 after being appointed through a competitive tender process as the Early Delivery Partner.

As Early Delivery Partner, Multiplex prepared the area for the main construction phase, which included:

• closure of public access to Theatre Lane behind the Canberra Theatre Centre
• installation of hoarding and site sheds
• work to The Playhouse so the venue can stay open during construction
• tree removal
• services relocations.

Benefits

The new lyric theatre will help make the city centre a welcoming and exciting place for the local community and visitors.

It will:

• create more jobs in the arts, hospitality and construction
• create opportunities, networks and audiences for the arts sector
• increase visitor numbers which will help boost the local economy
• attract musical productions, musicians and performers to Canberra.
• bring investors to the region
• offer popular musicals, ballet and opera closer to home.

Impacts

The Theatre Lane car park is now closed for construction works.

To find other places to park in the city, read our Canberra city parking guide.

The Canberra Theatre Centre will remain open during construction so the community can continue to enjoy performances and visit local businesses in the area.

Find out more about the Canberra Theatre Centre transformation project.

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