Tasmania’s reputation as a creative industries leader is set to be cemented with the official commencement of construction on the new centre for Creative Industries and Performing Arts.
To be officially known as “The Hedberg”*, the Centre will complement and enhance the existing Theatre Royal in Hobart, forming a vibrant arts precinct in the area.
The new centre will also comprise a new University Conservatorium of Music, and will include performance venues, public spaces and international research institute.
Tasmania’s creative industries sector is an important part of our economy, and increasingly of our critical visitor economy, and this investment is an important part of our Plan to grow the sector and support more local jobs.
Once completed, the cutting-edge facility will be an exciting new addition to Tasmania’s creative industries sector and will be a “must-see” tourist destination for Tasmanian, interstate and international lovers of cultural and arts experiences.
The Tasmanian Government is contributing $30 million cash and in kind to the $96 million project, which will generate jobs 280 during construction, and 58 ongoing.
The project is being delivered as partnership between my Government, the University of Tasmania and the Theatre Royal and is expected to be completed in early 2019.
*The Hedberg is a name that pays tribute to the early 20th Century garage located at the site – the façade is integrated into the design of the new building – and the heritage values of the Theatre Royal also remain intact while benefiting from an upgrade to audience facilities.