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.
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.
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. During the construction phase, the project team are monitoring plans closely to minimise disruption for the locality and Arts Precinct.
Further information and updates on The Church Redevelopment will be updated regularly at geelongartscentre.org.au/about-us/churchredevelopment-project.
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.
For further information regarding Geelong Arts Centre’s Church redevelopment, visit geelongartscentre.org.au
Geelong Arts Centre is proudly supported by Creative Victoria, and our Church redevelopment project has been enabled by our generous donors through the Church Giving Campaign.