The $66 million redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre has been completed and would have opened tonight, were it not for the COVID-19 restrictions.
The extensive restoration and expansion was a decision of the Weatherill Labor Government and fully funded under Labor in 2016. Construction began in early 2018.
The number of seats at the historic venue has swelled from 900 to 1500, a third level upper dress circle has been reinstated and the original Edwardian beauty of the building has been revealed. The purchase of a neighbouring Grote Street property has also allowed an impressive glass extension with additional facilities.
The redevelopment of ‘The Maj’ has also generated hundreds of jobs with up to 170 workers on site at its construction peak.
The $66 million investment in Her Majesty’s Theatre comes on top of Labor’s $90 million investment in the Adelaide Festival Centre revamp, which is still underway.
Quotes attributed to the Shadow Minister for Child Protection Jayne Stinson
The true beauty of Her Majesty’s Theatre has been rediscovered in this extensive facelift and extension.
‘The Maj’ is a truly impressive venue that holds a special place in the hearts of performers and audiences, as well as the pages of our state’s history. This $66 million revamp marks its new elevated place into the future too.
This major redevelopment, and other investments such as the Festival Centre, is yet another tangible display of Labor’s commitment to the arts, entertainment infrastructure and stimulating our creative economy.
The theatre has swelled to 1500 seats, which will attract larger shows to our city and provide jobs at a time when economic stimulus is so desperately needed.
I’d like to thank the former Arts Minister and Premier Jay Weatherill for the vision he and his Cabinet had to invest in this incredible project.
It is a gift to the arts – but also an asset to all South Australians.