Creating a Better RPAC
Creating better experiences for our guests... Exciting forecourt redevelopment announced
Design/artistic renders of some of these concepts developed by Anna O’Gorman Architects.
Refurbishment works at the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) are set to continue over the coming year with a major redevelopment of our forecourt.
The upgrade, which is part of Redland City Council’s Creating a Better RPAC program, has been made possible through a $3 million funding commitment in the 2024–2025 Redland City Council Budget.
This redevelopment will dramatically improve the customer and visitor experience for the 60,000 plus people who attend performances and events at RPAC annually. It will also provide an incredible entry moment into the RPAC facility and better linkage to the Cleveland CBD.
Detailed designs have been prepared by local project management and engineering consultancy company xburo and Anna O’Gorman Architects through previous funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which delivered the RPAC cul-de-sac and drop off area upgrade in the 2023-2024 financial year (see Stage 1 Design section below).
The forecourt redesign includes a revitalised entrance, a covered outdoor area, permanent seating, a small outdoor performance deck, improved levels for accessibility, increased lighting, and infrastructure in the forecourt.
The project has moved to tender, with the successful contractors being appointed before the end of 2024. The major works are then anticipated to commence in early 2025, weather permitting, and take 3-4 month to complete.
We love welcoming our guests to RPAC and will work closely with contractors and suppliers to ensure both safe and comfortable access to the venue through this time. Some disruption to services may occur, and we will stay in close contact with customers if there are any changes to the program, or guest access, for upcoming performances.
Safety will remain of paramount importance, so please take note of any communications and signage that will direct you.
____
Full details of Council’s Annual Capital Works Program is available on the Redland City Council website HERE
____
For further details of the redevelopment and design projects that were completed in the 2023-2024 financial year click on the '+' below.
Redland City Council secured 1.9 million in funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia. Funding was also received from State and Local Government to scope refurbishment and re-purposing of existing infrastructure in the RPAC Complex.
As part of Stage 1 Redevelopment, the cul-de-sac area in Middle Street has been reconfigured to create a drop-off zone with seating being installed in front of RPAC. Upgrades have also been made to the footpath and lighting in this area. These upgrades have improved safety, amenity and accessibility for all who visit the centre. Two extra disability car parks have also been added as part of this work. This work was commenced in March 2023 and completed in 2024.
RPAC Stage 1 Redevelopment - schematic of the external works. Download detailed plan HERE
The works included the following:
- creating a permanent drop-off zone in front of RPAC
- installing a concrete a seating wall and garden beds with feature lighting adjacent to this area
- upgrading the footpath and lighting
- upgrading the pedestrian crossing to provide better access linking RPAC and Cleveland Magistrates Court
- addition of two extra disability car parks and one extra street parking bay
- asphalt road resurfacing
- upgrades to the existing stormwater infrastructure.
These works have improved safety and accessibility for all who visit the centre.
Encore COFFEE now brewing at RPAC!
As part of the Stage 1 Redevelopment work, the existing mobile coffee cart was given a refresh and a new home by repurposing the original Box Office location.
RPAC’s coffee service is now brewing every weekday from 7:30am – noon, with additional times during performances and shows.
Encore COFFEE brings barista coffee for our guests to enjoy before or after a show. We will also be able to extend the range of items available for sale through the café with its new location, so make sure you check out the menu when you are next at RPAC.
As part of Stage 1, local project management and engineering consultancy company xburo and Anna O’Gorman Architects were engaged to progress other exciting upgrades in the existing Piazza area. Stage 1 Design included scoping improvements to the Concert Hall entrance, and the addition of a covered outdoor area and permanent seating in the Forecourt.
Additional concept design work completed by Archipelago Architects for Stage 2 Building Master Plan Study was completed in October 2023, results from these works will be utilised in discussions for strategic planning and effective budgetary asks related to revitalisation works within for the future of the venue.