The harbor city of Sydney is abuzz with anticipation as plans for a second Broadway-caliber theater gain momentum. Located within The Star Casino, the proposed venue is nearing final approval from the Independent Planning Commission. This follows the City of Sydney Council’s decision to drop its objections in December, clearing the path for a potentially spectacular enhancement to Sydney’s cultural scene.
Last year, the project garnered early support when the Department of Planning acknowledged its capacity to significantly enrich the city’s entertainment options. Now classified as a State Significant Development, it awaits the commission’s determination.
Stephen Found, the driving force behind Sydney’s renowned Lyric and Capitol theaters, is at the helm of this ambitious endeavor. His vision involves converting The Star’s current 4,000-seat Event Centre into a grand 1,550-seat, two-tier theater, featuring a traditional proscenium arch stage. Further enhancing its appeal, a dedicated live performance area will accommodate a diverse range of contemporary music, comedy, and cabaret performances for up to 1,000 spectators.
This proposed theater complex will blend seamlessly with the existing Event Centre, strategically positioned at the opposite end of the casino complex from the Sydney Lyric Theatre. This prime location, offering stunning harbor vistas, will maintain its role as a flexible space for conferences, awards presentations, trade shows, concerts, and a multitude of other celebratory gatherings.
The inclusion of these two cutting-edge theaters is set to propel The Star’s entertainment offerings to new heights. Robbie Cooke, CEO of The Star Entertainment Group, underscored the group’s dedication to strengthening its entertainment and hospitality endeavors. He alluded to forthcoming partnerships that will further cement The Star’s status as a leading entertainment destination. However, Cooke also emphasized that these ambitious undertakings rely on the continued stabilization of The Star’s operational landscape.
The Sydney City Council harbors grand aspirations for a revitalized performing arts center. Their vision encompasses a dynamic theater zone encompassing George Street and Haymarket, taking cues from renowned districts such as New York’s Broadway and London’s West End. Nevertheless, the initiative appears to have encountered a slight obstacle in the preceding year, resulting in a deceleration of progress.
The extensive scheme entails a two-year construction period, succeeded by an additional year dedicated to perfecting the interior design and implementing cutting-edge technology. Should everything proceed according to plan, the grand unveiling is not anticipated until the latter part of 2025.
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