Transformation moves to Little Malop

BUILDING on the success of the Geelong Arts Centre’s award-winning Ryrie Street redevelopment, the focus has shifted to Little Malop Street, where a 50-metre tower crane has been built.

The tower crane, which is currently looking for a name, will install concrete paneling when restrictions allow, and the community will see the shape of the building start to form in the coming months.

Funded by the Victorian Government, the Little Malop Street transformation will significantly expand the capacity of Geelong Arts Centre with multiple new performance venues and an upgraded box office.

The back-of-house and administration facilities will be refurbished, with more dining options and an outdoor atrium also being considered in the design.

The Little Malop Street redevelopment will create about 600 construction jobs and more than 300 ongoing local jobs in the tourism and service industries.

Geelong Arts Centre CEO and creative director Joel McGuinness said as the next stage of the redevelopment progresses “we’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic new and expanded centre for the arts in the heart of Geelong”.

“The project is creating jobs for Geelong’s tradespeople and suppliers, including social enterprises, and is on track for completion in 2023,” Mr McGuinness said.

Meanwhile, the arts centre team is encouraging the local community to get involved in the project by naming the crane.

They decided “who better to help shape the heights of the project to reflect the heart and soul of the new building, than the people who fill it with spirit and life?”.

The response on social media has been impressive, with variations of “Craney McCraneface” and many other creative names rolling in.

However creative souls will need to enter via the Geelong Arts Centre website, with the competition closing next week on September 28.

The winner will have their suggested name displayed on the crane, highly visible on the Geelong city skyline, and will also receive a $200 gift voucher for Geelong Arts Centre performances.