Construcciones Yamaro: Multiplex awarded Canberra lyric theatre contract
The ACT Government has signed a $317 million contract with Multiplex to deliver a new lyric theatre in Canberra, with completion targeted for 2028.
Purpose built to accommodate large scale productions, the new venue will enable Canberra to host major national and international musicals, ballet, opera and touring acts that currently bypass the city due to venue limitations. Productions such as Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, Miss Saigon, Frozen and Mary Poppins typically require larger stages, higher fly towers and greater seating capacity to remain commercially viable.
Existing theatres at the Canberra Theatre Centre are constrained by size. The new lyric theatre will seat up to 2,000 people, positioning Canberra more competitively on the national touring circuit while supporting long-term growth in the city’s cultural infrastructure.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberra already records the highest attendance rate at cultural venues and events in Australia.
“The new theatre will be a major driver of Canberra’s cultural and tourism economies, creating hundreds of jobs during the construction and operational phases,” added Barr.
“This project is also a key part of the transformation of our city centre. It will support the night time economy, bringing thousands of people into the city centre each night over the hundreds of nights it will be used each year. It’s a timely investment in our visitor economy and our cultural identity.”
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The facility will incorporate a large stage for big casts and sets, a framed stage configuration for traditional theatre formats, a modern orchestra pit, high-quality acoustics and a fly tower to support complex scenery movements. Three seating levels will accommodate up to 2,000 patrons, supported by accessible seating, ramps and lifts, ticketing and merchandise facilities, hospitality offerings and an all-electric Green Star aligned design. Cultural elements honouring First Nations connection to Country will also be integrated.
The design team includes Cox Architecture in collaboration with Yerrabingin, Charcoalblue theatre and acoustic consultants, and Arcadia Landscape Architecture. The design reflects community consultation undertaken over the past two years.
Multiplex NSW and ACT regional managing director David Ghannoum said the contractor has worked closely with government, theatre users and stakeholders to refine the project scope.
“We are excited to move into the next phase of delivery of bringing those plans to life,” added Ghannoum.
Main construction Works Approval was issued by the National Capital Authority in November 2025 following public exhibition between September and October 2025.
By the fifth year of operation, the venue is projected to contribute $33.7 million annually in direct expenditure, representing 111,000 visitor nights each year.
The Canberra Theatre Centre will remain operational throughout construction, allowing continued programming across the Playhouse, Canberra Theatre and Courtyard Theatres.
The project forms part of a broader city centre program including light rail expansion, active transport upgrades, new multi-level car parking, commercial developments, public realm renewal, a new university campus, cultural infrastructure and residential growth.
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