Curtain to rise soon on theatre redevelopment

THE reopening of Her Majesty’s Theatre is coming closer, with the announcement last week that final works in the multimillion-dollar redevelopment are finished.

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney toured the theatre with City of Ballarat mayor Des Hudson and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison last week.

“We’re preserving the legacy of Her Majesty’s Theatre while modernising the space so that people of all abilities can be part of the arts,” Ms Tierney said.

“By upgrading this cherished theatre, we’re encouraging more people to visit and stay in Ballarat – boosting local jobs and businesses.”

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the theatre has been modernised with improved all-abilities access to ensure everyone can enjoy an outing at the theatre, or perform on stage.

The theatre is scheduled to reopen in November with an official ceremony and major acts Marcia Hines, Daryl Braithwaite and illusionist Consentino will be among the first performers to step on stage.

The theatre, which celebrates its 150th birthday in 2025, has been restored using $10 million in State Government funding through Regional Development Victoria. The total cost was $16.3 million.

Supporting 21 jobs during construction, the upgrade includes improvements for performers of all abilities and for the public.

A new backstage lift means it is accessible to more artists, while the public will benefit from lifts in the foyer, a new snack bar and box office.

Steel structural support beams and external brick work were completed in the overhaul’s first two stages, using $5.3 million from the City of Ballarat and $2 million from Heritage Victoria.

Structural works were part of the upgrade to ensure the theatre is ready for another 150 years of action.

Nicholson Construction performed the stage three works. External hoarding has been removed, revealing the theatre’s facade once more.

Cr Hudson said public access to the theatre had been extremely limited in recent years, with the redevelopment starting not long after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is so much excitement in the air around the theatre reopening and after getting a sneak preview inside, I can promise people will not be disappointed,” he said.

“This redevelopment not only preserves an iconic piece of our city’s history but also ensures that it remains a vibrant, functional space for future generations to enjoy.”

The final stage of works began in February last year.