Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building

Refurbishment works have begun at Arts Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre signalling the most significant upgrade since it opened in 1984. The design team responsible for restoring and updating this Melbourne icon must strike a delicate balance between preserving the heritage elements and making the necessary upgrades to the theatre, ensuring it continues to serve the public into the future.

Join key members of the team working on this culturally significant project: Hamish Lyon, Director and Emily von Moger, Principal of NH Architecture, Chris King Director, Reimagining Project, Arts Centre Melbourne and Mark Stephenson, Director of Trethowan Architecture.

Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne is part of the Victorian Government funded Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation being delivered by Development Victoria for Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), in collaboration with Creative Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria. Lendlease is the Managing Contractor for the Arts Centre Melbourne Upgrades Main Works package.

Hamish Lyon (Director, NH Architecture)

Hamish is a Director of NH Architecture and leads the studio’s design thinking and direction. From the foundation of the practice 20 years ago he has been involved in a wide range of architectural projects, urban initiatives and masterplans and is responsible for coordinating the design continuity within the studio. Hamish led the team’s delivery of Melbourne’s 6 Star Green Star Exhibition and Convention Centre expansion, stages 1 and 2. He also led the 10-year redevelopment of the Melbourne and Olympic Parks sporting facilities, which included a major upgrade of Margaret Court Arena, the new function and media centre, CENTREPIECE, and the 5000 seat Kia Arena.

Emily von Moger (Principal, NH Architecture)

Emily is an experienced project leader who excels in the coordination of complex and significant public projects. Holding qualifications in both in architecture and construction management, she is adept at navigating projects with multiple stakeholder groups and sensitive heritage requirements, such as Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne. Emily prioritises collaboration across client and stakeholder groups, ensuring the project runs smoothly at each and every stage. Emily has also spearheaded NH Architecture’s Reconciliation Action Plan which is now at the second, ‘Innovate’ stage.

Chris King (Director, Reimagining Project, Arts Centre Melbourne)

Chris is the Director at Reimagining at Arts Centre Melbourne and has been leading the project since it commenced master planning in 2016. Having worked at Arts Centre Melbourne since 1998 in many roles, Chris has developed a deep and wide appreciation for the Theatres Building and Hamer Hall from both and operational and architectural perspective. Chris’ deep knowledge of the needs of theatre, how the current building operates and a respect for heritage, provides a deep understanding required to navigate the complexities a project that reimagines the Arts Centre for the next generation of theatre goers.

Mark Stephenson (Director, Trethowan Architecture)

Mark is the heritage director at Trethowan Architecture. He leads a team of experienced heritage professionals across a wide range of projects. Trethowan is an award winning, architectural and heritage consulting practice that delivers outcomes that respect and protect the historic built environment in a sustainable way.  Mark has been involved with the Reimaging Arts Centre project since 2016. He contributed to the Arts Centre Master Plan and Functional Brief, undertook research, established the heritage framework which informed the design process, and assists with the statutory processes currently in play with the project.

Image credit: Mark Gambino, curtesy of Arts Centre Melbourne