The $34.7 million refurbishment of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is almost complete.

The state-of-the-art project by Cox Rayner includes upgrades to provide greater access to arts and cultural events for all visitors, giving new life to the original design by Robin Gibson.

The Lyric Theatre and Concert Hall have received new seating (including increased wheelchair locations), stages, upgraded lighting, acoustics and rigging, while the foyers and entrances have also been updated.

“The new timber flooring and seating within the Concert Hall lift the level of light and joy to the performance experience,” says Richard Coulson – Director Cox Rayner Architects.

With disability access significantly improved Cox Rayner say the venue is now arguably the best disability access venue in Australia. Improved features include a lift and wheelchair accessibility to theatres, bars, the box office and cloakroom.

A new entrance structure for QPAC also provides a covered ‘drop-off’ zone at Grey Street to the main entrance.

Coulson explains that the project is unusual due to the “extreme technical nature of the performance spaces and working within the existing concrete structure to add the required functionality without compromising the building volume.”

The upgrade has been funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and will be completed in time for the Paris Opera Ballet season beginning in June 2009.

Cox Rayner
cox.com.au

Arts Queensland
arts.qld.gov.au