Arts-chitects appointed!

Melbourne’s NH Architecture and Norway’s Snøhetta have been appointed to deliver the Arts Centre Melbourne’s vision for the future of the Theatres building, including addressing specific critical maintenance issues.

The team will create an integrated design for the footprint of the Theatres building, incorporating design for the critical asset maintenance (CAM) project to minimise redundant works in the future as the organisation progresses with a major redevelopment.

The CAM project and the continued development of Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne’s Masterplan are supported by the Victorian Government as part of the $208 million first stage of the transformation of Southbank’s Arts Precinct.

As reported in the June edition of Southbank Local News, the precinct redevelopment will deliver NGV Contemporary, a new gallery on the current CUB building on Kavanagh St, major upgrades to theatres and public spaces and a new creative hub at 1 City Rd.

The project will include more than 18,000sqm of new and renewed public open space, seamlessly linking the city to Southbank’s Arts Precinct and beyond.

Snøhetta is a design studio based in Oslo and New York City with an office in Australia. The internationally-renowned practice has captured global attention with projects such as the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the 9/11 Memorial Pavilion and Times Square redevelopment projects.

It will team up with NH Architecture, which has extensive experience in the design and delivery of complex infrastructure projects such as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Margaret Court Arena.

Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer welcomed the appointment of both practices to what is an iconic project for Southbank and Melbourne.

“A reimagined Arts Centre Melbourne at the gateway to a seamlessly connected Arts Precinct will solidify Melbourne’s point of difference and competitive advantage over interstate and international competitors, while ensuring we retain our international reputation as Australia’s busiest and best performing arts centre,” she said.

NH Architecture and Snøhetta are currently collaborating on the $271 million Melbourne Park Stage 3 works and have previously worked with Arts Centre Melbourne to produce the masterplan and concept design for Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne.

artscentremelbourne.com.au