Church Redevelopment Project

Opening Early 2026

CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES FOR NEW HOME OF LOCAL LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE.

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.

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 heard from our local live musicians, theatre makers and artists that they want more affordable spaces to present their work. We aim for the new Church space to be an incubator of live performance, a space that is artist-driven and artist-led that will also nurture local, diverse voices. By championing regional emerging talent, we see the venue playing an important role in the future of our regions artists.

The Church Project - Latest updates

A collaboration between Geelong Arts Centre, Plan Group, AEN Advisory and LIMINAL Architecture

Geelong Arts Centre has recently appointed award-winning local builders, Plan Group, to deliver the interior redevelopment project alongside Project Manager, AEN Advisory and LIMINAL Architecture.

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.

The Church Giving Campaign

Donate Today

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.

By contributing to this cause, donors not only make an immediate impact but also create a legacy for the future of the arts in Geelong, nurturing creativity for generations to come. All donations over $2 are tax deductible, and there is a myriad of ways to contribute listed on the Geelong Arts Centre website. Together, we’re building something extraordinary.

“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.”

Chair, Geelong Performing Arts Trust, Lesley Alway

30 Something | Photo credit - Ivan Kemp

Tash York | Photo credit Peter Foster

Clare Bowditch | Photo credit Peter Foster

JOTHI | Photo credit Peter Foster

Connor Morel | Photo credit Peter Foster

Tommy Little | Photo credit Peter Foster

JOTHI | Photo credit Peter Foster

Current Construction Update

During the construction phase, the project team are monitoring plans closely to minimise disruption for the locality and Arts Precinct.

Ramp access to the Geelong Arts Centre Courtyard from Ryrie Street is not accessible during the redevelopment. However you can still access the Centre and Courtyard via the main Ryrie Street entrance and through Aitchison Place. There is no disruptions to Little Malop Street.

Our Church redevelopment project has been enabled by our generous donors through the Church Giving Campaign.

Supported by