Melbourne arts precinct construction update

As we come to the end of 2024, construction works on the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation (MAPT) are progressing well across multiple project sites, including 77 Southbank Boulevard, the Sturt Street / Kavanagh St intersection, and both inside and behind the Art Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre.

At 77 Southbank Boulevard – the site of the future gallery The Fox: NGV Contemporary – the deconstruction of the basement slab and pile caps is now complete. Surveyors have done minor works to confirm the location of the existing piles underneath the pile caps that were removed, and hoarding will be erected around the site in early November. Deconstruction and early works are on track for completion, with 95 per cent of removed materials to be recycled. 

At the Sturt Street and Kavanagh St intersection, you will notice a structural steel bracing system being installed under the deck superstructure. This stub and bracing installation will be taking place throughout November and December – which is important for protecting the deck from extreme weather conditions. 

Authorities’ work in the area is also on schedule for important sewerage upgrades. At Kavanagh St West, sewer works are due to be finished in mid-November. 

While Arts Centre Melbourne was celebrating its milestone 40th birthday for the iconic Theatres Building, the MAPT project was busy inside the State Theatre – with expert specialists paying extreme care in removing the renowned Truscott interior. Steel beams will be installed over the first few weeks of November in preparation for the extension to the theatre’s balcony section. 

If you’re visiting the precinct in the months ahead, don’t forget there’s parking in the Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre and in Arts Centre Melbourne. 

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