In 2016, the major interior refurbishment of one of Australia’s oldest theatre institutions, Theatre Royal, began in conjunction with the redevelopment of the MLC Centre in the Sydney CBD.
As an important cultural asset for New South Wales, we were appointed by Dexus and Trafalgar Entertainment Group to advise on the conservation and revival of Harry Seidler’s iconic modernist theatre.
Our heritage experts carried out a physical and historical assessment of the theatre to understand the heritage constraints and opportunities. They advised the project team during the planning and construction phases to re-energise the site sensitively and recapture its heritage significance and original modernist elegance.
The preserved building reopened at the beginning of 2022 and returned a popular modernist icon to full theatrical use.
“Preservation of the architecture of the modern movement is always one of the most difficult challenges. So often it’s about what’s left out, as much as what goes back.
Images: Pierre Toussaint
