New South Wales
The GPAC project provides Goulburn, Australia’s first inland city its first purpose designed theatre. with a new 400 seat auditorium, stage with fly-tower and full backstage facilities. The old Town Hall has been incorporated into the project and houses the main foyer, cafe, foyer bar, and theatre administration
The site was home to the colony’s first inland gaol, fire brigade, and later the first Town Hall. It was the site of convicted bushranger hangings (and burials) which are suspected to lie beneath the new theatre’s front bar.
The project included extensive archeological investigations, the design includes the preservation and integration of important historic building fabric. The complex functional theatre facilities have been located in a new modern structure located behind, and largely hidden by the heritage buildings. By utilising inventive design solutions the project has successfully provided a much needed public facility on the City’s main street
The GPAC design elegantly repurposed the existing heritage town hall, creating a revitalised CBD presence while memorialising its varied history with imaginative public artwork
The design successfully accommodates modern spaces such as offices, café, bar, while the high-tech performance space and fly tower mean it can host a program of world-class performances, providing jobs for the community, performing arts education and ensuring that every child in the region, regardless of background, has the opportunity to experience and participate in the magic of theatre.
The facility has brought so many productions to the region exceeding expectations for patronage and public support.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
