Operator sought for iconic Theatre Royal

5 April 2019

The NSW Government has launched an Expression of Interest process to garner interest from Australian and international theatre operators in reopening Sydney’s Theatre Royal.

Situated in the heart of the Sydney CBD among retail and fine dining outlets, and transport links, the approximate 1,100-seat theatre designed by Harry Seidler has been closed since 2016. Its reopening will allow NSW to deliver and host more major touring theatre productions.

Local and international theatre operators or owners are being sought to enter a long-term sub-lease to operate the theatre. Applicants will be asked to outline their programming vision for the theatre and identify any auditorium refurbishment requirements to operate the theatre from 2021.

Minister for Arts Don Harwin said reopening the historic Theatre Royal will help make Sydney number one again for musical theatre in Australia.

“With our existing lyric theatres booked out for years, reopening the Theatre Royal will reintroduce a vital part of the city’s cultural history, open up new employment opportunities and provide a boost for the NSW night-time economy,” Mr Harwin said.

“The theatre has an incredible history dating back to the 1820s and its reopening is backed by huge public demand. We are committed to finding the right operator with the right experience to continue its legacy and allow NSW to compete on the global musical theatre stage once more.”

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said it was exciting to see the EOI process begin as the NSW Government has secured 28 musical and theatre productions for Sydney since 2011.

“More theatre space means more shows and events can come to Sydney. Putting life back into the Theatre Royal will have a significant and positive impact on the visitor and night-time economies of Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.

The open EOI is now open and will close at 11:59pm (AEST) Wednesday 24 April 2019. For more details and submission information, please visit the NSW Government eTendering website: https://tenders.nsw.gov.au.

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