Newcastle’s historic Victoria Theatre will be reinvigorated with the updates set to transform the theatre into a world-class cultural asset and ensure the 168-year-old venue can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Site preparations are officially starting at the Victoria Theatre, including the unveiling of an impressive hoarding across the building's façade featuring an artistic impression of the restored historic building.

Preparations include further waste removal, establishing a site office, and finalising the construction certificate. The historic facade will soon see cleaning and repairs completed with construction works at the Victoria Theatre set to begin in June 2024. 

The project is supported by the NSW Government through a $4-million contribution from the Creative Capital program and a $121,000 grant from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund. Next, Century Trust will match the NSW Government funding commitment and oversee the management of this significant renewal project.

Greg Khoury, Project Director for the Victoria Theatre and Executive Director at Century Venues said,

“I am delighted we are taking these first big steps to get this daring cultural infrastructure project underway. It has been hugely challenging to secure the approvals and get funding in place, and there is much more to be done.”

“From the moment we acquired the Victoria Theatre in 2016, we committed to returning it to a live performance venue, its original intended purpose, and the best possible heritage outcome. We will never waver from that.”

“We recently welcomed Minister for the Arts and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, who visited the site. We are very grateful for the NSW Government funding and together we look forward to delivering a revived Victoria Theatre and much-needed cultural infrastructure to the people of the Hunter.”