Multiplex delivers new Performing Arts Centre at Monash University

Located at Monash University's Clayton campus, the $54.2 million complex comprises three key venues – full refurbishment and re-purposing of the existing Alexander Theatre, a new flat floor multi-purpose Sound Gallery and a new live performance Jazz Club which will be a bustling high end café by day and destination restaurant by night.

Designed by Peter Elliot Architects, Irwinconsult, Marshall Day Acoustics, Marshall Day Entertech and AECOM, the five-level 561-seat Alexander Theatre has undergone major refurbishment including a new façade, new services and finishes, a Serapid orchestra pit lift and extensive landscaping around the precinct. Connectivity to the new Sound Gallery and Jazz Club is via one large shared foyer space.

The re-purposed Alexander Theatre features state-of-the-art theatre technology including a 38 line power automated stage flying system and high end audio-visual technology including a Meyer Sound Constellation†active acoustic system providing cutting-edge sound technology and a means of creating endless acoustic environments in the space at the press of a button.

The new 130 seat Sound Gallery's flexible flat floor configuration and emphasis on intimacy and excellent acoustics encompassing the Meyer Sound Constellation active acoustic system ensures the venue is ideal for a wide range of music offerings from chamber music through to experimental ensembles. The new Jazz Club, seating 200 people combines dining and entertainment facilities and also has a large commercial kitchen, two bar areas, backstage facilities and a large external terrace for outdoor dining and entertainment.

The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts encompassing all such features will further enhance Monash University's commitment to supporting growth in the performing arts in Melbourne's south-east by providing state-of-the-art facilities to world class professional productions, students, community groups, schools and local residents.

"We are thrilled to deliver this innovative performing arts complex and continue our on-going collaboration with Monash University. This represents our sixth project for Monash University and combined our skills in delivering highly specified entertainment venues with our experience in working in busy, live education environments," said Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director Multiplex Victoria.

Work commenced in October, 2016 and according to Multiplex approximately 250 people worked on site throughout construction.

Multiplex has extensive experience within the education sector and working within live campus environments. It recently completed Monash University's Peninsula campus in Frankston, comprising 150 single occupancy units over six levels.

It has also recently completed the new $206 million Learning and Teaching Building at Monash University. The multi-storey 30,000 square metre facility is a cornerstone project at Monash University. The contractors also more recently completed the $102 million Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building at Monash University, delivering a new world-class education space to the Clayton campus in Victoria.

In 2016, Multiplex completed Monash University's $145 million student accommodation precinct comprising four new residential buildings providing a combined total of more than 1,000 studio apartments, with associated retail and student informal learning spaces.