Fifth Theatre’s Price Per Seat Soars Past Olympic Stadium, Sparking Both Awe and Debate
Brisbane’s arts and cultural scene is about to receive a major boost with the unveiling of the city’s long-delayed fifth theatre—a state-of-the-art facility that, at first glance, comes with a cost premium hard to ignore. According to recent reports, the new theatre’s cost per seat is a staggering $122,000—more than double that of the iconic Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park, which stands at $60,000 per seat.
Originally projected with a budget of $150 million for a 1500-seat venue, the project has seen a significant cost overrun, ballooning to $184 million over the course of its development. “It was a project that saw all of those escalations under the former government and for the new projects going forward,” Public Works Minister Sam O’Connor reportedly explained, emphasizing the broader implications for future public works. Despite the setbacks and increased expenditure, Mr. O’Connor expressed determination, noting that his team is “working hard to make sure we can stick with” the adjusted timeline.
The theatre’s construction has not been without its hurdles. Being three-and-a-half years behind schedule, stakeholders now face mounting pressure as they race to reach practical completion later this year. Despite the looming delays, local government officials and cultural leaders are optimistic about the facility’s promise. Minister O’Connor underscored the project’s long-term value, asserting that the new venue is “a magnificent facility” destined to become a source of pride for Queenslanders.
In an effort to involve the community in the theatre’s future, Queenslanders have been given a unique opportunity to help name the landmark. Voters can select from four innovative options—Glasshouse, Lantern, Watershed, and Russell—or propose a completely original name until May 10. However, Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek cautioned that while public input is vital, the decision will undergo careful scrutiny by the Queensland Performing Arts Centre board. “We want to avoid names like ‘theatre McTheatre face’ being selected,” he noted, ensuring that the final choice reflects both creativity and the stature of the project.
The vision for the theatre is expansive, extending well beyond aesthetics and numbers. QPAC’s chief executive officer, Rachel Healy, stated that the facility was designed to address a pressing need: “We work extremely hard in securing the great musicals, we have relationships with all the major promoters and there’s no question that having an extraordinary new theatre like this is going to really improve our prospects of landing those.” For Healy, the project isn’t merely about accommodating more seats—it’s about capturing the imagination of both promoters and audiences. “It isn’t about the promoter’s willingness to come here. They want to come here, we just haven’t had the capacity and this is the answer to that very challenge,” she added.
While the cost per seat may prompt comparisons to the Olympic Stadium, industry insiders argue that the new theatre’s premium pricing is a function of its ambition. With cutting-edge design and enhanced facilities tailored to modern performance requirements, this investment is seen as paving the way for Brisbane to secure internationally acclaimed productions. The expectation is that the theatre will serve as a crucial cultural hub in South Brisbane—an answer to years of demand and a catalyst for economic and artistic growth.
As Brisbane awaits the theatre’s completion later this year, the debate continues: Is the premium justified by the promise of a world-class venue, or does it set a concerning precedent for future public expenditure? With passionate voices on both sides and the community actively contributing to its identity, only time will tell how this iconic development will impact Queensland’s vibrant cultural landscape.
