Revitalised forecourt to change the face of RPAC

An exciting $3 million transformation of the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) forecourt is underway.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said RPAC continued to deliver on its commitment to a better experience for visitors with work starting this month on the front of the Cleveland facility.

Funded as part of the 2024-2025 Redland City Council budget, the forecourt facelift includes a revitalised entrance, covered alfresco area, permanent seating, a small outdoor performance deck, improved accessibility, increased lighting, new ramp and stair access and beautiful garden areas.

“RPAC provides a much-loved home for Redlands Coast’s thriving local arts sector, as well as for artist development, school productions and events,” the Mayor said.

“Once completed, this project will provide a wonderful community space and a new gateway to the home of performing arts on Redlands Coast.”

Local engineering firm Baroque Group has been engaged to deliver the project that will dramatically improve the customer and visitor experiences for the 60,000-plus people who attend performances and events at RPAC each year. Detailed designs for this project were prepared by local project management and engineering consultancy company xburo and Anna O’Gorman Architects.

Redland City Council Service Manager Creative Arts, Bradley Rush said: “While the building works take place, our rich program of performances and events will continue.

“With our front entrance expected to be out of action during some phases of the project, we look forward to offering visitors a glance behind the curtain with a series of intimate ‘Stage Door Sessions’, giving loyal guests a completely different view of RPAC and the opportunity to enter the building, like a performer, through the stage door.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the project would provide a more accessible link to Cleveland CBD.

“It will also ensure RPAC remains a valued asset for our Redlands Coast community for many years to come,” he said.

During the redevelopment work, from 23 December 2024, the RPAC Box Office will operate from the Redland City Council Customer Service Centre, in the main Council building on Bloomfield Street, Cleveland.

Box office facilities will be available at RPAC an hour before performances to offer the usual high standard of customer service.

More information about the project can be found at the RPAC website.