Illawarra Performing
Arts Centre

Opened in 1988 by His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Princess Diana, this much-loved cultural venue has served the Illawarra community for more than three decades. When the time came to rejuvenate the theatres and public spaces, the opportunity extended beyond refurbishment—it was a strategic reinvestment in the region’s cultural and economic life. 

Edmiston Jones worked closely with Council and Merrigong Theatre Company to develop a comprehensive Master Plan, followed by detailed design for the theatres, foyers, bars and amenities. The challenge was clear: reimagine tightly planned front-of-house areas to support contemporary expectations—food and beverage service, events, merchandise and informal gathering—without expanding the building footprint. 

Through careful spatial planning and operational review, we redesigned the foyers to be flexible and commercially effective, while improving accessibility and inclusion throughout. Theatre seating, circulation paths and amenities were upgraded to provide equitable access for all patrons. By maximising the existing structure and clarifying operational flow, the project delivers renewed patron experience, stronger revenue potential and a sustainable future for this vital community asset.