MLC Centre Signals Renewed Vision For Theatre Royal As Ambassador Theatre Group Signs Lease And Management Agreement
Thursday 6 August 2015
As part of the renewal of Sydney's MLC Centre, located in the heart of the CBD, co-owners QIC and GPT Group have reached another significant milestone with the agreement for Ambassador Theatre Group to take on the lease and management of the Theatre Royal, located in King Street.
Star of stage and screen, Simon Burke welcomed representatives from the media, members of Performing Arts industry, politicians and executives from QIC, The GPT Group and Ambassador Theatre Group to announcement, held on the stage of the Theatre Royal. The location allowed many present a different perspective of the theatre, drawing further recognition of the importance of having space for live performance in Sydney. The size of the 1100 seat auditorium was showcased by performances from the Dress Circle by Lucy Durack and Josh Piterman, accompanied by Kellie Dickerson on piano.
Carmel Hourigan, Chief Investment Officer for GPT announced that the co-owners of the MLC Centre, QIC and GPT Group, have agreed terms with the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) which will see major refurbishment of the Theatre Royal and ATG assuming management of operations. This follows from the progress in redevelopment of the MLC Centre's food court and retail space and ties in with the co-owners vision to deliver a vibrant location to shop, socialise and enjoy cultural events.
Whilst ATG, founded by Sir Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire, has experience producing shows in Australia, this is ATG's first foray into managing a theatre in Australia. ATG CEO Tim McFarlane indicated that ATG would like to operate theatres in each Australian capital city along with regional areas and the Asia region. ATG plans to follow on from their existing model where they operate a number of theatres in the West End, across the UK and Broadway.
McFarlane advised that the Theatre Royal renovations, which are due to commence in February 2016, will include a larger, contemporary entrance, refurbished more welcoming foyer, upgrades to the seating whilst keeping the capacity similar, better disabled access and more adequate toilet facilities, particularly for the female patrons. The renovations will also see Charles O. Perry's sculpture "Mercator" (1975), reinstated in the lobby as the renovations seek to restore architect Harry Seidler's vision had when he designed the MLC Centre and Theatre Royal in the 1970's. The works are due to be completed by early 2017 to coincide with the completion of the development of the MLC Centre but McFarlane remained tight lipped as to which show ATG would like to open the new theatre.
Sydney theatre patrons must now wait to see what the world largest theatre company has in stall for them in 2017 as ATG continues the tradition of live performance which has occupied the site since 1827.
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