Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation – a year in review 

In 2024, the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation (MAPT) made significant construction progress across multiple project sites.

Throughout the year, project milestones were reached for The Fox: NGV Contemporary, Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building (under the spire), and the new urban garden Laak Boorndap. 

Here are just some of the many MAPT project highlights from 2024.

Arts Centre Melbourne

Major works on Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building progressed throughout the year, while performances continued to be staged.

Excavation to expand the building’s basement structure began, following extensive work to secure the foundations. The ground was reinforced with 358 piles and a process called “jet grouting”, which sees a concrete slurry injected between the piles to improve stability.

Inside the State Theatre, heritage elements are being protected throughout the works, including the iconic stage curtain, and designer John Truscott’s magnificent brass and gold ceiling.

Works also started on accessibility improvements, with level platforms introduced in the stalls for future wheelchair positions; penetrations were completed, and lift shafts built for new Disability Discrimination Act-compliant lifts. 

77 Southbank Boulevard

At 77 Southbank Boulevard, the site of The Fox: NGV Contemporary, deconstruction of the previous building structure was completed.

Deconstruction focused on minimising waste, with 95 per cent of the materials removed being reused or recycled. More than 17,000 tons of material removed from the site was recycled!

It is anticipated that construction of The Fox: NGV Contemporary will begin in 2025. 

Laak Boorndap

In 2024, the urban garden at the heart of the MAPT was bestowed a name, Laak Boorndap, by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Aunty Gail Smith.

The name honours the beautiful place that the garden will create for all, through its dynamic and multi-layered planting design that showcases everchanging beauty year-round.

Laak Boorndap Public Art Commission and Wurundjeri Waterway Design Commission

expressions of interest (EOIs) were submitted in October for two major public art commissions, the Laak Boorndap Public Art Commission and Wurundjeri Waterway Design Commission.

These commissions by Victorian-based First Peoples artists will have a permanent home in Laak Boorndap. The EOIs are now being reviewed by a selection panel before the commissioned projects are selected next year.

The Sturt St / Kavanagh St intersection

The first section of the deck structure was installed in July over the Sturt St / Kavanagh St intersection, which will provide foundational support for the garden Laak Boorndap.

Authorities

Authorities’ work in the precinct also continued throughout the year to upgrade the sewerage system and services.

Construction on the MAPT project will pause on December 20, 2024, and resume on January 14, 2025, to kick-start another busy year for the project.

To stay up to date with all the latest MAPT news and updates, follow us on Instagram: @artsprecinctmelbourne and LinkedIn:
@Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation •