Public Building Award 2007, Australian Institute of Architects, Victorian Chapter (and three other awards).
A new 525-seat proscenium theatre with full fly tower was built behind the historic Mechanics Hall, which was refurbished as entry, foyer, bar, functions and administration facilities. A glazed internal atrium forms an eccentric foyer celebrating the junction of old and new buildings. A dramatic, modern “drum” envelopes the theatre in a single, strongly coloured form. Seen in the round, backstage facilities address adjacent city streets with façades that abstractly refer to the heritage building.