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Grand arts plan

Grand arts plan

The Coalition Government has pledged $1 million to the next major phase of the Arts Precinct Blueprint, if re-elected.

A model of the proposed plan, which was released earlier this year, was unveiled at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s 30th anniversary dinner in October.

Speaking at the event, Victorian Treasurer Michael O’Brien said the Coalition was committed to progress the work on the precinct’s makeover.  

“If re-elected, the Coalition Government will commit $1 million to progress the blueprint, including a business case for capital works options and consultations to gauge opportunities that would support the revitalisation,” he said.

“This will better connect the precinct and create a vibrant public space for tourists and the wider community, as well as local residents.”

The blueprint, developed by the Victorian Arts Centre Trust, was devised to identify key strategic initiatives that would enhance the visibility and vibrancy of Melbourne’s cultural hub for the future.

The project includes plans for a hotel, restaurants, commercial outlets, a pedestrian boulevard and a new theatre and gallery to house the Performing Arts Collection, which is currently exhibited underground.

The open space between Hamer Hall and the Arts Centre building would also be removed as part of the overhaul and turned into a major plaza, while a centralised ticketing office would be created for the whole precinct.  

Hosting more than 3 million visitors and more than 3000 shows and events annually, Arts Centre Trust president Tom Harley said greater accessibility to the precinct was key in ensuring these figures continued to grow into the future.

“It’s making the whole area much accessible to the city,” he said. “It’s putting pedestrian traffic right through the spine of the arts precinct and making it a lot more open to breathe and invite people in,” he said.

“The centerpiece of the Arts Centre Melbourne’s concept study is the proposal for the Australian Performing Art Gallery, which will be a major new attraction at the heart of the centre.”

“The concept also opens up a fabulous boulevard connecting the arts precinct’s main institutions to the city, St Kilda Rd and Southbank.”

For more information visit
www.arts.vic.gov.au

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