News

• 2011-05-16 - Building Innovation Award for Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre

  The Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC) and Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) Theatre complex has added another accolade to its long list of achievements, taking out the Building Innovation category at the 2010/2011 DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation awards.

  The biennial DuPont Innovation awards recognise the commercialisation of outstanding science and technology solutions meeting the big challenges in Australia and around the globe.  This is the first time a building has won the Building Innovation category.
  

  Located in Melbourne’s iconic Southbank arts precinct, the multi-award winning, $128 million complex was delivered by a team of expert consultants led by Major Projects Victoria (MPV), and today stands proudly in the company of other great music and theatre venues around the world.

  The judges praised the MRC/MTC complex for its innovative concepts, technologies and building materials, creative architecture and construction methods, saying the result was an iconic building that delivered world-class venues and featured state-of-the-art performance spaces and amenities.
  

  Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine commended MPV and its team on the project including architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall and builder Bovis Lend Lease for delivering an outstanding complex known around the world for its flawless acoustics and eye-catching design.
  

  “During the past 150 years, Victoria has built a strong tradition of excellence in public buildings and major projects, and the MRC/MTC complex is a fine example of this,” Dr Napthine said.
  

  “This latest award is particularly significant in that it recognises the outstanding technology and innovation that form the intrinsic merits that position the MRC/MTC Theatre as one of the world’s best venues for chamber music.”
  

  The MRC/MTC Theatre offers four arts spaces, including the 1,000-seat Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for chamber music and the 500-seat Sumner Theatre for the MTC. The complex delivers state-of-the-art, world-class venues that will drive Melbourne’s music and theatre scene for decades to come.
  

  The MRC/MTC Theatre project was delivered by MPV on behalf of Arts Victoria and the University of Melbourne for the Victorian Government.
  
  MRC/MTC delivery partners:
  

  •    Ashton Raggatt McDougall - architect
  •    Bovis Lend Lease - construction
  •    Arup Acoustics - acoustician and theatre planners
  •    Bonacci Group - engineers
  •    Umow Lai and Associates - service engineers
  
  

  View a full list of MRC/MTC awards here
  

  Watch the video here
  

   

   

• 2009-11-10 - Cultural building judged best in Australia

  Victoria’s newest cultural icon – the Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC) and Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) Theatre – has been named the best building in Australia at the 2009 Master Builders’ National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards.

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas said the MRC and MTC Theatre project received two of the highest honours at the awards, held on the Gold Coast at the weekend, and reflected the Brumby Labor Government’s outstanding record in delivering world class major projects.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure because we understand how important it is to the Victorian community – boosting the local economy, creating jobs and delivering world-class facilities,” Mr Pallas said.

  “This excellent recital centre and theatre project won the National Commercial/Industrial Construction Award (over $100 million) and National Commercial Master Builder of the Year for project builder Bovis Lend Lease.

  “The project’s masterpiece of design, engineering and construction matches the great music halls and theatres of the world and this recognition is a tribute to the Victorian skills and workmanship that went into building it.

  “This $128 million project was delivered three months ahead of schedule, created 500 jobs during construction and now provides two great new arts venues for the state.”

  Mr Pallas congratulated the project management and construction firm Bovis Lend Lease, Melbourne-based architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall, acoustic engineers Arup, structural engineers Bonacci Group and services engineers Umow Lai, for their great work on the major project.

  The latest awards follow wins at the 2009 Victorian Architecture Awards, the Australian Institute of Architect’s National Awards and the Property Council of Australia Awards. The building was also recently short-listed at the World Architecture Festival Awards.

  Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said the spectacular new additions to Victoria’s cultural landscape provided exciting new opportunities for music and theatre, attracting new audiences from around Australia and the world.

  “As the home of the oldest orchestra in the country and the longest running professional theatre company, Victoria is truly the arts capital of Australia. The MRC and MTC Theatre has elevated Melbourne to one of the world’s premium cultural destinations,” Ms Kosky said.

  Master Builders Chief Executive Wilhelm Harnisch said the national winners demonstrated they were the best of the best, setting a standard for the rest of industry to aspire to.

  “The MRC and MTC Theatre is one of the most unique cultural icons in modern Melbourne. This landmark building is a masterpiece of design, engineering and construction,” Mr Harnisch said.

  Bovis Lend Lease Victoria General Manager Geoff Moore said the project was a wonderful opportunity to be involved with one of the most highly regarded buildings in Australia.

  “This project not only required specific expertise in delivering technically complex projects, but also a highly collaborative approach with the delivery partners and Arts Victoria,” Mr Moore said.

• 2009-09-25 - MRC and MTC Theatre engineering excellence

  The new Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre complex in Southbank has taken out Victoria's highest engineering honour at the 2009 Victorian Engineering Excellence Awards recently held in Melbourne

  The iconic project was the only building to receive the Award for Excellence in Infrastructure (projects over $20 million) which was also awarded to the Wimmera Pipeline, FutureFlow irrigation and EastLink projects from a shortlist of sixteen.

  The judges noted that: "this project had many complex challenges but these were overcome by some excellent engineering, innovative solutions and a very cooperative group.  The result is an outstanding facility which will be enjoyed by Melbourians for many years to come."
  

• 2009-08-20 - MRC/MTC shortlisted for the world's biggest architecture contest

  The Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre project is among the 272 building projects that have made it onto this year's shortlist for the world's biggest architecture contest - the World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards.

  Projects hail from 67 different countries including emerging markets such as Iran, Syria, Sierra Leone, Vietnam, Ghana, South Korea, and India, as well as countries such as Canada, Australia, USA, UK, China, Russia and Scandinavia, which all have strong representation on the shortlist.

  The WAF Awards are designed to celebrate and showcase the work of the international architectural community. Unlike other schemes, the WAF Awards involve shortlisted architects presenting their schemes live to the public as well as an international star studded judging panel as they compete for the ultimate accolade of World Building of the Year 2009.

  For more information, visit the World Architecture Festival website.

• 2009-08-05 - Victorian major projects win Master Builder Awards (MRC/MTC)

  Three Victorian major projects have received top honours at the Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards, held in Melbourne over the weekend.
  

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas said awards for the Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) Theatre project and the Hepburn Springs Bathhouse redevelopment recognised the Brumby Labor Government’s excellent record in delivering major projects.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure that boosts the local economy, creates jobs and delivers world-class facilities for Victoria,” Mr Pallas said.

  “It is wonderful to see these outstanding and extremely complex Government projects earning such high praise and getting the recognition they deserve.”

  Mr Pallas presented Bovis Lend Lease with the Master Builder of the Year award for the Recital Centre and MTC Theatre project, which also won the Excellence in Construction award for buildings over $80 million. The Regional Builder of the Year accolade was awarded to A.W. Nicholson for their work on the Hepburn Springs Bathhouse.

  “Congratulations goes to both Bovis and Nicholson’s on jobs well done,” he said.

  “The quality of the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre is a tribute to local skills and workmanship. The Recital Centre is a landmark building and one of the most intricate music halls ever built – a masterpiece of design, engineering and construction.

  “The world-class restored bathhouse is local triumph, employing more than 60 local tradespeople. The construction alone had an economic impact of $30 million, much of it spent with local suppliers.”

  Master Builders Deputy Executive Director Radley de Silva said the two major award winners were important community projects.

  “The Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre joins a long list of iconic Victorian projects to win the coveted award,” Mr de Silva said.

  “This project included pioneering techniques with the extensive use of free-formed glass, reinforced concrete panel and acoustic hoop pine panelling. Its stunning façade is matched by its acoustic performance internally.

  “In addition, A.W. Nicholson’s outstanding Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa displays the commitment to quality of Victoria’s regional builders.”

  The Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre now moves into contention for the National Excellence in Construction Awards to be announced on the Gold Coast in November.

   

• 2009-06-19 - New recital centre and MTC theatre wins highest honour

  The new Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre complex in Southbank has taken the top honours for an Australian public building at the prestigious Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Gala Awards.

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas and Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said the $128 million Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre project won the Moore Stephens Award for Public Buildings from a shortlist of 22 public buildings.

   “The Brumby Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure that creates jobs and new business opportunities such as this impressive project – our latest addition to Victoria’s cultural landscape,” Mr Pallas said.

   “This is a great result for the state, with this level of industry recognition showcasing the quality of these landmark buildings. With their iconic architecture, superb design and exceptional acoustics, they are a tribute to local skills and workmanship.”

  Ms Kosky said the award reinforced Victoria’s reputation as a cultural and design leader and would help attract new audiences to the venues.

  “Beyond their superb design and architecture, these extraordinary buildings offer a world of exciting theatre and music experiences for all Victorians to enjoy,” Ms Kosky said.

  “I encourage the Victorian public to take advantage of these world-class venues and the performances they offer.”

   Property Council of Australia National President Daniel Grollo said the development was a clear standout amongst category finalists.

  “This year’s winners, including the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre, continue to raise the bar for the industry in setting new benchmarks in excellence, particularly in the area of innovative design,” Mr Grollo said.

  “Developed by Bovis Lend Lease and designed by Ashton Raggatt McDougall, this beautifully crafted development is one of a kind, reflecting a passion for music, theatre and design through construction.”

  Ashton Raggatt McDougall director Howard Raggatt said the company wanted to make a real contribution to Melbourne, something extraordinary.

  “This was the hope of everyone involved with this project. We’re thrilled that it has been recognised in this way,” Mr Raggatt said.

  Bovis Lend Lease General Manager of Victoria Geoff Moore said the construction of the complex required specific expertise in delivering technical and complex projects, and the results spoke for themselves.

• 2008-09-11 - Melbourne Recital Hall and Theatre project completed

  Premier John Brumby today announced the early completion of Melbourne’s new $128 million recital centre and theatre complex.

  Mr Brumby, on a site tour of the recently completed Melbourne Recital Centre and the new Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) theatre at Southbank, said the project included four new arts spaces in two distinct buildings, each with dedicated backstage and public spaces.

  “This impressive project, which is the latest addition to Victoria’s cultural landscape, has reached the milestone of practical completion three months ahead of schedule,” Mr Brumby said.

  “The complex now goes into a testing and commissioning phase, where its sophisticated acoustics and technical systems will be tuned like a fine instrument.

  “Arts and culture are just as important drawcards to Melbourne as major events and sporting tradition, these two buildings will help further develop our record as Australia’s cultural capital.”

  Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre (MRC/MTC) project ended a 30-year quest for both a home for the MTC and chamber music in Melbourne.

  “Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Hall will put Melbourne on the international map for chamber music while the MTC’s John Sumner theatre, ends the search for a permanent home for one of Victoria’s enduring cultural institutions,” Ms Kosky said.

  “This project provides world-class venues that we can all be proud of. They will drive Melbourne’s music and theatre scene and provide vast new opportunities for local talent.

  “These new venues will provide important new opportunities for local artists and musicians to showcase their talent and develop their careers while attract some of the world’s best performers and offer a range of new experiences for Victorian audiences.”

  Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous said the quality of the recital centre and theatre projects was a tribute to local skills and workmanship.

  “The MRC is a landmark building and one of the most intricate music halls ever built – a masterpiece of design, engineering and construction,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “The MTC Theatre will set the benchmark for similar facilities, with the latest technology, a full fly tower and first-class backstage accommodation for actors and technical staff. The unique illuminated word wall will delight audiences and give every performance a sense of occasion.

  “The whole project has created 500 jobs during construction and when operational will employ 25 full-time staff across the Recital Centre and MTC as well as a large casual workforce, hundreds of musicians and actors each year.”

  The MRC/MTC complex will now enter a testing and commissioning phase. Performances will begin early next year with the start of the Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC’s 2009 programs.

• 2008-04-12 - Australian theatre icon honoured for lasting legacy

  Melbourne’s newest theatre and home to the Melbourne Theatre Company has been named after company founder and theatre director John Sumner AO, CBE at a ceremony held in Southbank today.

  Mr Sumner, who established and managed the MTC for 30 years, is remembered for setting the benchmark for Australian theatre companies as well as his inspired artistic vision developing two generations of Australian playwrights and actors.

  Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said Sumner set the standard for Australian theatre.

  “John Sumner played a major role in establishing Australia’s theatre culture and through it our national culture, discovering and developing some of our finest actors, playwrights and directors,” Ms Kosky said.

  “He encouraged and provided opportunities for Australian playwrights such as Alan Hopgood, Alexander Buzo, Nick Enright and David Williamson as well as directing the landmark Summer of the 17th Doll and more than 100 productions.”

  Ms Kosky said the construction of the $53 million MTC Theatre in Southbank ended a 20-year search for a permanent home and filled an important gap in Melbourne’s cultural infrastructure.

  “The new theatre will provide MTC with greater artistic and financial flexibility as well as opportunities for more daytime performances and educational programs,” Ms Kosky said.

  “Melbourne is already recognised for its leadership in arts and culture. This new theatre will build on our reputation and provide more opportunities for both our artists and performing arts professionals, and audiences.

  “Together with the new Melbourne Recital Centre next door, this venue adds an important dimension to the Southbank Cultural Precinct. The new complex complements its cultural neighbours - the Arts Centre, National Gallery of Victoria, Victorian College of the Arts, Malthouse Theatre and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.”

  Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous said that like its namesake the new theatre will set the standard for rest of the country in both its form and function.

  “The Sumner theatre will set the benchmark for facilities with the latest technology, a full fly tower and excellent backstage accommodation for actors and technical staff. On a broader level it will provide a new home for Australian talent with the 500-seat capacity auditorium a perfect size for presenting new contemporary works,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “This theatre and indeed the whole MTC/Melbourne Recital Centre complex is a masterpiece of design and construction a tribute to Victorian ingenuity and workmanship. The project is part of the biggest infrastructure spend in Victoria’s history - $13 billion over four years to build hospitals, roads, schools stadiums and theatres.”

   

• 2008-03-26 - First look inside Melbourne's Elisabeth Murdoch hall

  Melbourne’s new recital centre reached a milestone today with the interior of the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall revealed for the first time.

  Minister for the Arts, Lynne Kosky and Minister for Major Projects, Theo Theophanous, said the Melbourne Recital Centre and its centrepiece – the 1000-seat Elisabeth Murdoch Hall – would play an important role in Victoria’s cultural infrastructure.

  “This is a great milestone for the centre and for music lovers across the State. The creation of the Melbourne Recital Centre is the result of a 30 year quest by Victoria’s music community for a purpose built recital hall,” Ms Kosky said.

  “It’s wonderful to see the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall taking shape and to have a first taste of how it will look, feel and sound.”

  Mr Theophanous said the hall, thought to be among the most intricate rooms ever built in Australia, was a masterpiece of design and construction.

  “This venue has been designed to maximise the musical experience and will be up there with world’s greatest chamber music halls including Wigmore Hall in London and other renowned venues in Vienna, Japan, Canada and the United States,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “In a first for Australia, the vital statistics of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and the other benchmark halls were fed into a sound modelling computer to allow the design team to ‘hear’ how the design would sound and compare it with the world’s greatest chamber music halls.”

  Mr Theophanous said the hall’s striking wall and ceiling panels, made of layers of native Australian Hoop Pine plywood, played an important acoustic role while adding to the hall’s visual personality.

  “Beyond their sound proofing and acoustic properties, each panel is unique. Together they make up a pattern that runs across every surface of the hall like a jigsaw,” he said.

  Melbourne Recital Centre CEO Dr Jacques de Vos Malan said it was an exciting time for the Victoria’s music community.

  “Watching our new home coming together like this is very exciting and we are looking forward to its completion and to moving in. We are currently in the final stages of planning our inaugural 2009 season,” Dr de Vos Malan said.

  When complete, the Melbourne Recital Centre will provide a 1000-seat venue for chamber and ensemble music alongside a smaller 150-seat salon for more intimate musical performances, recordings and educational programs.

  The centre is scheduled to open to the public in the first quarter of 2009.

   

• 2007-04-05 - Building music at Melbourne Recital Centre

  Workers building Melbourne’s new recital centre today joined Minister for Major Projects, Theo Theophanous, and Minister for the Arts, Lynne Kosky, in the centre’s first musical performance.

  Today’s Hard Hat concert was held to thank the 150 Bovis Lend Lease workers building the new Melbourne Recital Centre.

  “We are thanking the construction team for their work so far and giving them a taste what this new music venue will be like,” Mr Theophanous said.

  Acclaimed Australian composer and percussionist Graeme Leak, composed a new work, Percussion Construction Team, inspired by the sounds and rhythms of the construction site.

  Graham and his team of three musicians, aided by three workers performed the piece ‘on-stage’ at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, the 1000-seat centrepiece of the venue. Using tools of the trade – including jackhammers, angle grinders and power saws - they celebrated the development of the project.

  Ms Kosky said she looked forward to opening the centre for business in 2009. “This is the first performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre, a new icon for Melbourne,” she
  said.

  “The concert reflects what the Melbourne Recital Centre is all about – connecting our communities with great music. “Melbourne has traditionally had the strongest audiences for chamber and jazz music in Australia. The Melbourne Recital Centre will address a critical gap in Melbourne’s cultural infrastructure. It’s not just a venue, but an innovative and vibrant organisation that will bring an extraordinary array of music opportunities to Victorian audiences.”

  The Recital Hall will be completely isolated from the ground and the surrounding buildingstructure. It will be enclosed in a 250mm thick concrete box, which is mounted on 38 large steel spring bearing units to provide high quality acoustics for musical performances.

  Mr Theophanous said that nothing like this has been built in Australia before. “The fact that the project is progressing so well is a testament to the dedication of Bovis Lend
  Lease construction team,” he said. “This Hard Hat concert is an opportunity to thank those making it happen.”

• 2006-08-11 - Star takes centre stage to kickstart construction

  Actress Sigrid Thornton today joined Bracks Government Ministers John Lenders and Mary Delahunty to officially kickstart the construction of Melbourne’s new theatre and recital hall in Southbank.

  Mr Lenders, the Minister for Major Projects, said Bovis Lend Lease, the builders of the $120 million project, had already started foundation work on the 500-seat theatre that will be the new home for the Melbourne Theatre Company and the 1000-seat Melbourne Recital Centre.

  “Today we are not only laying foundations for a new theatre, we are also laying the foundations for new vibrant cultural precinct for Melbourne,” Mr Lenders said.

  “The MRC/MTC project is the missing link in Melbourne’s enviable network of arts infrastructure and will attract new audiences and performances for all Victorians to enjoy.

  “The centre will also be vital in supporting Victoria’s emerging musical and theatrical talent.”

  Ms Thornton, who was the lead star in the Melbourne Theatre Company’s blockbuster Blue Room, is a keen supporter of local drama production and the project and made a print of her hands in a concrete slab to be auctioned for charity to mark today’s event.

  As well as a recital hall, the recital centre will boast recording and broadcasting studios, rehearsal and function rooms and a café/bar. The theatre will also include a rehearsal studio and offices.

  The Melbourne Theatre Company’s new theatre would end a 25 year search for a new home for Australia’s oldest professional theatre company. The company has been without a permanent base since the Russell Street Theatre closed.

  The Minister for the Arts, Ms Delahunty, said the hall and theatre would complement Southbank’s other first-class arts venues, such as the Melbourne Museum, State Library, National Gallery, ACMI and the Arts Centre.

  “This is part of the Government’s $1 billion investment in arts projects across the State which also includes major new regional arts and cultural centres at Sale, Swan Hill, Warragul, Bendigo, Benalla, Ballarat and Shepparton,” she said.

  “In addition to cultural benefits of enjoying world-class performances, the project will also deliver an economic boon for the State.

  “Once opened, the recital centre will employ up to 15 full-time staff and about 2000 local and international musicians will use the facilities each year creating additional economic spin offs.

  “The theatre will employ about 10 full-time workers and create jobs for actors, casual technical, box office and catering staff each year. The construction phase alone will create 500 jobs.”

  Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne Professor Glyn Davis said today marked a new beginning for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

  “The new theatre will give the theatre company a firm financial footing on which to build its impressive national and international reputation,” he said.

  Mr Lenders said the State Government was contributing $82 million to the project, the university $12 million, Crown Ltd $16 million and the remaining funds will be obtained from fundraising.

  “The new recital centre and theatre is part of the Bracks Government record $12.6 billion investment in infrastructure across the State that is creating jobs and opportunities for suppliers and contractors as well as providing better facilities for all Victorians to use now and in the future.”

  The recital centre and theatre are expected to open for business in 2009.

   

• 2006-05-27 - Builder appointed for Recital Centre and Theatre

  Work on the multi-million dollar Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Theatre Company Theatre project is set to start following the Bracks Government’s selection of a preferred builder.

  The Minister for Major Projects, John Lenders, said the State Government had selected Bovis Lend Lease to construct a new 1000-seat Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC) and a 500-seat theatre for the Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) in Southbank.

  “The recital centre and theatre complex is the missing link in Melbourne’s cultural precinct and will complement Victoria’s first-class arts infrastructure such as the Melbourne Museum, State Library, National Gallery, ACMI and the Arts Centre,” Mr Lenders said.

  “It will compete with Sydney’s Opera House as the nation’s most prized music and theatrical venue attracting leading international musicians and performers.”

  Mr Lenders said the two arts venues will be built on a site bound by Southbank Boulevard, Dodds Street and Sturt Street, Southbank, opposite the Victorian College of the Arts.

  “With preparation works at the Southbank site complete, the builders are now primed to start construction,” Mr Lenders said.

  “The recital hall design is extremely sophisticated and complex, delivering acoustic and technical excellence. We are confident the builders have the required level of expertise and commitment to deliver Melbourne a world-class arts venue.”

  As well as a recital hall, the recital centre will boast recording and broadcasting studios, rehearsal and function rooms and a café/bar. The theatre will also include a rehearsal studio and offices.

  The Melbourne Theatre Company’s new theatre would end a 25 year search for a new home for Australia’s oldest professional theatre company. The company has been without a permanent base since the Russell Street Theatre closed.

  Mr Lenders said the State Government would deliver an additional $19 million for the project and the University of Melbourne would contribute a further $4.5 million.

  “The Bracks Government is determined to deliver on its promise to build Melbourne a recital hall that all Victorian’s can be proud to say is truly world-class,” Mr Lenders said.

  “This is a one-off project with high level technical elements and like other major art projects, has very sophisticated project design specifications.

  “The initial budget was an estimate and subject to full market testing.

  “The builders have now assessed market costs and evaluated risks and come back to us with a fixed delivery price and we are confident costs will not rise again.”

  Mr Lenders said this would bring current total project cost to about $120 million, with the State Government contributing $82 million, the university $12 million, Crown Ltd $16 million and the remaining funds to be obtained from fundraising.

  The Minister for Arts, Mary Delahunty, said the extra funding would ensure Melbourne continued to attract the world’s best musical performers and cement the city’s position as Australia’s cultural capital.

  “The Bracks Government is reinforcing Victoria’s leadership as the cultural and artistic hub of Australia by investing in Arts infrastructure,” Ms Delahunty said.

  “In less then a decade we will have delivered $1 billion of arts projects including the Melbourne Museum, ACMI, National Gallery Victoria at Federation Square as well as major new regional arts and cultural centres at Sale, Swan Hill, Warragul, Bendigo, Benalla, Ballarat, Shepparton.

  “The recital centre is a welcome addition to Victoria’s cultural precinct and will provide a more intimate and affordable venue for performances from soiree to cabaret, as well as functions, lectures and recording sessions.”

  Ms Delahunty said several leading musical companies and directors were already making plans for the new recital hall, including:
  · Musica Viva, the world’s largest presenter of chamber music, who plan to expand its Victorian presence three-fold;
  · Paul Grabowsky, the Artistic Director of the Australian Art Orchestra, who is researching collaborative projects inspired by the intimacy and digital capacity of the venue.
  · The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, who plan to bring its highly successful subscription series to Melbourne for the first time; and
  · Richard Gill, Music Director of Victorian Opera, who plans to stage both established and new chamber opera productions that take advantage of recital hall’s facilities.

  University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis said he was delighted MTC was getting closer to owning its own world-class performing space and rehearsal facilities.
  “The new Theatre will put MTC on a sound financial footing where it can build on its impressive national and international reputation.”

  Mr Lenders said project was part of the biggest infrastructure spend in Victoria’s history.

   

• 2005-11-29 - Designs unveiled for new Recital Hall

  The Arts Minister, Mary Delahunty, today revealed designs for Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, the centrepiece of Victoria’s new cultural icon, the Melbourne Recital Centre, to be built in Southbank.

  Ms Delahunty joined leading arts philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch to unveil the acoustic model of the hall bearing her name.

  “This will be an international venue with uncompromised acoustics offering wonderful music experiences,” Ms Delahunty said.

  “Leading experts across the industry – including sound engineers, stage managers and musicians – were brought together to work on the project to ensure music excellence was at the heart of the design.

  “As a result, what we have created is a facility which will provide unprecedented opportunities for Victoria’s artists and audiences.”

  The 1000 seat, purpose built Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, will be complemented by a more intimate space, the 150 seat Salon. The Melbourne Recital Centre will also include state-of-the-art recording and broadcasting facilities, rehearsal spaces, function rooms and a café/bar.

  Ms Delahunty also officially launched Melbourne Recital Centre Ltd and announced its board of directors, chaired by Jim Cousins AO.

  “Mr Cousins has played an instrumental role throughout the design phase as Chairman of the Interim Recital Hall Board. He will now lead a team whose combined expertise and vision will guide the Centre through its crucial development stage.”

  Board members include: Caroline Almonte, pianist, teacher and member of Duo Sol; Phillip Gude, former Victorian Government Minister now with Globe Communications; Sally Macindoe, a partner with national law firm Deacons; Race Mathews, former Federal and Victorian MP and former Victorian Arts Minister; Campbell Rose, chief executive of the Western Bulldogs Football Club; Mary Waldron, executive partner, Melbourne, of Ernst and Young; and Matt Zema, chief executive of VENCorp.

  The Acting Minister for Major Projects, John Pandazopoulos said the Melbourne Recital Centre was part of the Victorian Government’s record $20 billion infrastructure investment program.

  “The Bracks Government has invested $10 billion in infrastructure in the past five years and plans to spend another $10 billion in the next five years,” he said.

  “Infrastructure projects like the Melbourne Recital Centre contribute substantially to economic development and job generation. They are also vital to the evolution of Victoria's cultural and visual identity.”

  Ms Delahunty invited all music lovers to a public viewing of the Melbourne Recital Centre designs and acoustic model of the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

  The designs will be on display and open to the public until Friday 2 December at The Studio, Chunky Move, Level 1, 111 Sturt Street, Southbank.

  Opening Hours:

  • Tues 29 November – 2-6pm
  • Wednesday 30 November – 10am-9pm
  • Thursday 1 December – 10am-6pm
  • Friday 2 December – 10am-6pm

  “In the next four years we will spend $11 billion on infrastructure - more than any other government in the State’s history.

  “We are delivering a massive infrastructure program, building hospitals, roads and schools for all Victorians in a financially responsible way to make Victoria a better place to live.”

  The recital centre and theatre are expected to open for business in 2009.

• 2005-06-29 - Shortlist to build new recital centre and theatre

  The Acting Minister for Major Projects, John Pandazopoulos, today announced the five construction companies short-listed to construct a new 1000-seat Recital Centre and a 500-seat theatre for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

  Mr Pandazopoulos said the following companies have been asked to submit a detailed tender for the project:

  • Baulderstone Hornibrook Pty Ltd
  • Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd
  • Grocon Pty Ltd
  • Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd
  • Probuild Constructions

  “The two art venues will be built on land owned by the University of Melbourne at a site bounded by Southbank Boulevard, Dodds Street and Sturt Street, Southbank, adjacent to the Victorian College of the Arts,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.

  “The two buildings will be constructed as a single complex, however, each venue will have its own distinct identity.

  “Once complete, the project will boost Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s arts and cultural capital.”

  The Request for Tender outlined the requirement for four new arts spaces:

  • A 500-seat theatre for the Melbourne Theatre Company.
  • A rehearsal studio and home-base for the company – a long-awaited replacement to the old Russell Street Theatre, which closed more than ten years ago.
  • A 1,000-seat Recital Hall for chamber music.
  • A 150-seat salon for more intimate musical performances

  Mr Pandazopoulos said the Bracks Government had completed $1 billion worth of cultural infrastructure projects and was delivering a record $20 billion infrastructure program.

  “Victoria's per capita infrastructure investment had outstripped all other States in Australia and total infrastructure spending had almost doubled since 1999,” he said.

  “The Bracks Government will continue to deliver the vital infrastructure for Victoria’s current and future needs.”

  He said the short-listed construction companies were selected from thirteen pre-qualified contractors. Construction costs are estimated at $94 million. Work is expected to start this year and venues are expected to be completed in 2008.

• 2004-03-25 - Land transfer clears way for Southbank's missing link

  The transfer of a key piece of land in the Southbank arts precinct from the University of Melbourne to the State Government has cleared the way for construction of two long awaited arts venues in Melbourne, a new 1000-seat Recital Centre and 500-seat purpose built theatre for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

  Victorian Arts Minister Ms Delahunty joined University of Melbourne Vice Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis at an event at the nearby Victorian College of the Arts to mark several milestones in the long-awaited project.

  She said today’s event marked two important stages in the development of the project:
  ·Transfer of the site for the two venues from the University of Melbourne to the State Government allowing work to begin later this year
  ·Completion of detailed design work and the invitation to the nation’s top construction companies to bid for the work

  Ms Delahunty said the old industrial site adjacent to the ABC, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Malthouse Theatre would be transformed into two striking arts venues and fulfil a 25-year dream for a purpose built recital hall and a ten year search by the MTC for a permanent home.

  Expressions of interest would be sought from the construction industry to build:

  • The 1000 seat Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, a world-class venue for chamber music
  • A 150 seat Salon for more intimate musical performances
  • A 500-seat theatre for the Melbourne Theatre Company
  • A rehearsal studio and home-base for the company – a long-awaited replacement to the old Russell Street Theatre, which closed more than ten years ago

  Major Projects Minister John Lenders said the two venues were being designed by leading Melbourne architects Ashton Raggatt and McDougall. He said expressions of interest in building the complex were being sought from a preferred list of developers.

  Ms Delahunty said the new Recital Centre would be ranked among the world's best for uncompromised acoustics, architecture and the calibre of the artistic program that will be presented.

  She said the project would complete the arts precinct by providing an intimate space for small ensemble performances and a permanent home for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

  The Elisabeth Murdoch Hall will be Melbourne’s only 1000 seat presenting hall.

  “It will be an intimate venue for small ensemble performances from traditional classic repertoire to jazz, world music to chamber music, and commercial recordings. The Salon will be an elegant room for uses ranging from cabaret to jazz recordings,” Ms Delahunty said.

  She said the new venue would attract international artists and provide a venue for Australian musicians and companies including Musica Viva, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Melbourne Chorale, the Australian Art Orchestra, the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition and the chamber music ensembles of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria.

  “The Recital Centre will be become a revered venue loved by musicians and audiences, and it will be a venue for emerging musicians, composers and students from music academies like the Victorian College of the Arts to perform in optimum conditions in the heart of the arts precinct,” Ms Delahunty said.

  Ms Delahunty said a 100-member industry reference group, led by architect Ian McDougall, had brought together acoustic and architectural designs that will inspire new directions in musical performance.

  Construction costs are estimated at $94 million.

  Work is expected to start this year and the venues are expected to be completed in 2008.

  Mr Lenders said the expressions of interest documents spelt out the scope of the project and would enable construction companies to tender for the job.

  “The Government is currently investing nearly $12 billion in major projects across the State through the Building One Victoria program, ” Mr Lenders said.

  Ms Delahunty said the Bracks Government had completed $1 billion worth of cultural infrastructure projects.

  “This includes Federation Square, the renovation of the National Gallery, Museum Victoria and the renovation of the State Library.

  “$53 million in spending on new and refurbished regional arts centres including Sale, Swan Hill, Traralgon and Warragul has been leveraged through $19 million in State Government investment,” she said.