Brisbane-based Watpac Construction has been awarded the contract to build the Genazzano FCJ College Performing Arts Centre project in Victoria.
The 1,900sqm facility has been designed to meet the technical and size requirements of modern artistic, dramatic and musical performers.
It will feature a 440-seat auditorium, including two rows of retractable seating and an orchestra pit with a hydraulic lift.
Instrument storage, multi-purpose open spaces, an art gallery, foyer, two music classrooms and 10 music practice rooms are also part of the plan.
Watpac Managing Director Greg Kempton says it is an exciting challenge for the construction team.
“Watpac has a specialist focus on education work in Victoria, having successfully completed a number of projects in ‘live’ educational environments, and as a result we have an impressive repeat-work book for these clients,” he says.
“Some of our school projects include works for Geelong Grammar, Camberwell Grammar School, St Kevin’s College, Australian Technical College at Sunshine, Albert Park Secondary School, and the John Monash Science School.”
Associated facilities will include offices for staff and event ticketing, a kitchen, change rooms, and a sheltered outdoor space.
The major project will be centred around environmental design principles, comprising the use of renewable and recyclable materials, water tanks, and the use of recycled water.
“The unique nature of the Centre will provide an opportunity for the team to showcase their ability to meet specialised requirements, and will ultimately provide a state-of-the-art facility for both the school and the community,” Kempton says.
Similar Watpac projects include the Australian Film Television and Radio School in Sydney, the Riverway Arts Centre in north Queensland, and the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in South Melbourne.
The high-profile company has recently won a number of other projects around Australia, including the Cochlear Global Headquarters and the Woolworths Data Centre in Sydney, and the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre Expansion project in Townsville.
This latest project is expected to be completed in late 2010