New-look ABC

Construction is now underway on a $176 million expansion to the ABC’s facilities in Southbank.

Having been given the green light by the State Government in February, the new building is being constructed on the adjacent site at 102-118 Sturt St, with the purpose of integrating it into the existing building at Southbank Boulevard.

Constructed by Cox Architecture, the five-storey development will incorporate new television studios for the production of local, national and international news and current affairs, as well as a host of other programs.

The studios will address the ABC’s urgent need to increase audience capacity, in a bid to enhance viewer experience and take strain off its current studios at Elsternwick.

The new-look facility is also expected to bring significant cultural benefits to Melbourne’s art precinct, providing accommodation for up to 700 staff, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

An ABC spokesperson said the project came as a major boost to the media industry and reinforced the organisation’s long-term commitment to Southbank.

“The proposed scope of works involves consolidation of all of ABC Melbourne metropolitan operations to 120 Southbank Boulevard,” the spokesperson said.

“This project becomes important to the broader commercial and independent television production sectors and supporting the maintenance and development of production and operational skills.”

“It will support Southbank’s place as a vibrant arts precinct by providing greater public connection, interactive program opportunities and an improved streetscape.”

The upgrades will also include a new ground floor cafe, which is expected to increase street level activation for staff, precinct neighbours and the general public.

The project is expected to generate 300 full-time jobs for the duration of construction and provide a $491.5 million boost to the Victorian economy over its lifespan.

The new facilities are expected to be officially unveiled in early 2017.