In exciting news for Canberran thespians and culture vultures everywhere, the grand design for the incoming Canberra Lyric Theatre has just been made public. And, it looks pretty bloody good.
The ACT Government has allocated $28 million to the design and enabling works for a state-of-the-art new Lyric Theatre that will be added to the existing Canberra Theatre Centre precinct. This epic cultural venue was designed through a collaboration between COX Architecture, First Nations designer Yerrabingin, Charcoal Blue theatre consultants and Arcadia Landscape Architecture, with construction underway from November 2025.
After extensive engagement with First Nations, LGBTQIA+ and local community groups, this reimagined theatre has Country and community rooted firmly at its innermost heart. The theatre is slated to become a living extension of Country, blending all of Canberra's diverse worlds and peoples together into one dynamic physical space.
“As a project of national significance, it was vital that the design harmonise with Canberra’s civic fabric while also affirming the role of cultural infrastructure in shaping a shared identity – one that’s shaped by our First Nations heritage as well as the diversity of contemporary Australia", said Joe Agius, COX director and project lead.
The soaring and sculpted architectural design is set to be a totally sustainable, Green Star build that has been carefully crafted to frame views of nearby Black Mountain and Vernon Circle, play with layers of light throughout the day and emphasise public gathering spaces to enable community connection in real time.
Why are they building a new Canberra Lyric Theatre?
Currently, the existing Canberra Theatre Centre is too small to host major shows, meaning major national and international artists are unable to stage epic shows in the nation's capital. This extensive new addition to the existing theatre precinct hopes to eliminate that problem. Basically, Taylor Swift (probably) won't miss Canberra next time she comes Down Under.
What features will the new Canberra Lyric Theatre have?
As well as being an epic architectural masterpiece, the new theatre promises an exciting set of hyper-modern features and facilities. There will be a massive, 2,000-person auditorium designed with state-of-the-art acoustics and seating arrangements, a huge stage suitable for hosting major Broadway productions, and a framed, classic theatre stage for smaller productions. There will also be hospitality offerings, accessible seating, ramps and lifts, and a modern orchestra pit designed to show off live music acts.
The community has had their say throughout this process, and much of the Canberra Lyric Theatre's design has been shaped by what people have said they want to see. With building and design now firmly underway, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for the grand reveal of the final iteration in the coming years. Canberra, it's about time.