Sutherland Entertainment Centre

We saw the redevelopment of a 40 year-old community institution as an opportunity to improve access and broaden its appeal. Through a new open foyer in harmony with the surrounding park, we invited a new generation to engage with its programming.

Located in the heart of the Shire, the Sutherland Entertainment Centre is a multi-purpose facility that has brought the vibrancy of the performing arts to the community for over 40 years. To bring the facilities up to date, we partnered with architectural practice CHROFI, to design upgrades that would provide the highest standards of technical and production facilities, while exploring new ways to engage the growing community.

An iconic building in a prominent position, the refurbishment was an opportunity to create a catalyst for local placemaking. Our approach was to work with the existing space, creating a versatile, welcoming timber and glass foyer that improves connection with the neighbouring Peace Park. With an abundance of natural light and views across the park from inside, the new entry openly invites visitors to come and explore the building, while creating a strong connection to the landscape.

This new permeability improves the civic offering of the park, enabling the foyer to be its own stage for live events and programming, particularly during the daytime.

Inside, we brought the back of house facilities up-to-date, upgraded the flytower and reconfigured dress circle and stalls seating to create an increased auditorium capacity of almost 700 people.

A renewed focal point for the arts, Sutherland Entertainment Centre sets a benchmark for performing arts facilities in the Shire, supporting the local community, while attracting touring productions to the region.