Construction is officially underway on Geelong Arts Centre’s Church Redevelopment Project, marking an exciting milestone for its transformation into Geelong’s new home for live music, comedy, theatre, dance, and performance.
“We have been proud to invest in Geelong Arts Centre’s transformation into the largest dedicated regional arts centre in Australia, and an extraordinary creative hub for the Geelong region,” said Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks. “It is wonderful that this historic venue will now help to shape the future of our talented artists and performers.”
Set to open in early 2026, the redeveloped church on Ryrie Street will be a dedicated space for independent and emerging artists, providing an intimate, artist-led venue to nurture diverse voices and support sustainable regional artistic careers.
“We’ve listened to our local musicians and artists, and we know that access to affordable performance spaces is key to fostering a thriving creative scene,” said CEO & Creative Director, Geelong Arts Centre Rhys Holden.
“This venue will serve as an incubator for live performance, ensuring emerging talent has the space and support needed to develop and showcase their work.”
Once hidden behind the former Band of Hope building, the historic façade of the Church will remain a defining feature as it was restored as part of Geelong Arts Centre’s Ryrie Street redevelopment, funded by the Victorian Government in 2019. The Church interior, however, will undergo significant structural, and compliance works as well as acoustic treatment and upgrades.
Geelong Arts Centre has recently appointed award winning local builders, Plan Group, to deliver the interior redevelopment project alongside LIMINAL Architecture. During the construction phase, the project team are monitoring plans closely to minimise disruption for the locality and Arts Precinct.
The project is well on its way to fruition, committed through many generous donations to The Church Giving Campaign. In the face of rising construction and operational costs, fundraising efforts continue to support the project.
This will ensure Geelong Arts Centre can deliver an affordable venue hire model for artists, along with the provision of essential operational and audio equipment before the official opening early in 2026.
“We are very grateful for the generosity of our philanthropic supporters who have made this milestone possible. Together we share a deep commitment to preserving The Church’s rich history while celebrating its rebirth as a vibrant hub for Geelong’s emerging musical artists,” said Lesley Alway, Chair, Geelong Performing Arts Trust.
For more information regarding Geelong Arts Centre’s Church redevelopment and how you can contribute, visit: www.geelongartscentre.org.au for details.
Image: The Church at Geelong Arts Centre – photo by Peter Foster