Quality of sight and sound were the major priorities in the refurbishment of Adelaide’s famous Festival Centre.

Woods Bagot was engaged for Stage One - the first and most visible stage of works - in the redevelopment of the interior of the Festival Theatre, foyers and amenities.

Extensive consultation with the Centre’s management, production and technical staff and various external stakeholders including the Hyatt Catering Group, ASO and State Opera was fundamental in determining the diverse operational requirements for the project and achieving a successful outcome.

The auditorium was transformed with new parquetry flooring, re-upholstered magenta coloured seating, and an acoustic enhancement system that creates the appropriate environment for all performance modes including fine music and opera.

Additional facilities for people with disabilities include improved disabled toilets, wiring loops for the hearing impaired, viewing rooms, appropriate signage and access and space for up to 40 people in wheelchairs. These facilities reflect the Centre’s commitment to providing access to the Arts for the whole community.

Following completion of the first stage, Woods Bagot was re-engaged for the stage 2 redevelopment of the Adelaide Festival Centre.

Stage 2 works included redevelopment of the external plaza and festival drive, upgrading existing administration areas, creation of public retail areas, building condition upgrade to services infrastructure, asbestos remediation and disability access improvements.