The Queensland Government has announced a massive $150 million addition to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) management portfolio that will include a 1500-1700 seat theatre, reports brisbanedevelopment.com.

Construction will take place on the Playhouse Green site, with $125 million being contributed by the government, and the additional $25 million coming from QPAC.

Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk says the venue is needed due to popularity of QPAC with Brisbane being a key market for travelling productions.

“QPAC reports it is nearing full capacity in all its theatres, with a strong forward program of bookings to 2022 and beyond.

“Building a new theatre is a must to ensure we can keep attracting even more big shows and more visitors to our capital city.”

“The design for the new theatre within the Heritage Listed Queensland Cultural Centre, will also be guided by the Conservation Management Plan, which was developed by heritage consultants last year," the Premier said.  

Queensland Ballet will benefit greatly, as they have outgrown their 850-seat Playhouse Theatre, and will be able to double attendance with the addition of this new theatre. The new venue will also support Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Opera Queensland and Queensland Theatre.

QPAC is currently the busiest theatre in the nation, and with this new addition, it will also be the largest. In 2017, 1.3 million people visitors viewed a selection of the 1,000-plus performances for the year. When the new theatre is fully functioning in 2022, it is expected to increase annual visitor numbers to the precinct by an extra 300,000 people.