Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School & Albert Park College

We are building a new performing arts precinct for students from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and Albert Park College.

The site is located at Gasworks Arts Park on the corner of Pickles and Richardson Street.

It will provide state-of-the-art performance and rehearsal spaces for young performers. We are building:

• a theatre with 368 seats
• a studio theatre
• a kiosk
• green room and dressing rooms
• covered walkway
• landscaping.

The site will be jointly run by both schools once completed. We are working with the schools and Gasworks Arts Park. This will be the first stage for the creative facility that can be shared with the wider community.

Why was this location chosen?

The Department of Education considered a range of factors when identifying the site. These included the availability of a suitable site, as well as closeness to, and accessibility of, surrounding schools. The ability to co-locate complementary facilities was also a factor.

Land near both schools was considered for the project and the Gasworks Arts Park site was chosen.

Multinet Gas, a utility company, previously owned the site. The Minister for Education purchased the site for these facilities. The land has no heritage implications.

What was the site previously used for?

The site used to house gas valves and served as a site for Multinet Gas infrastructure. Multinet Gas decommissioned equipment in early 2022. The Department of Education took over the site in mid-2022.

Will the walls around the old Multinet Gas site be retained?

All walls built prior to 1950 have been integrated into the performing arts precinct’s design. They will remain unaltered except to open one of the walls within the park for pedestrian and emergency vehicle access. We will use the existing 1850s façade of the Old Gasworks Site to form internal aspects of the new precinct. Some walls constructed after 1950 will be adjusted to suit the new school building.

What works are happening?

We are retaining the 1850s façade of the old gasworks site.

We will convert one of the buildings into useable school spaces, while other parts of the site will be demolished to construct the new creative facilities.

Works will include the installation of site amenities and fencing, demolition works, remediation of soil, construction, landscaping and the use of heavy machinery at times.

When will construction start and finish?

Works are starting in early 2026 and the project is expected to be completed by Q1 2027.

What are the changes to traffic flow during construction?

We will minimise potential traffic disruptions where possible. The builder will work with the local council on a traffic management plan. The plan will outline any temporary changes to traffic conditions, road and footpath closures and traffic detours.

Vehicles will use the Richardson Street entry for demolition works and the Pickles Street entry for construction work.

Will there be parking on site?

There will be no parking on site. The closeness of both schools to the performance and rehearsal space means that most students will be able to walk or use public transport. The facility will be easily accessed via public transport. Off-street parking is also available nearby.

How do I keep up to date with the project?

This project page will be updated with further information as the project progresses.