Vale Richard Owens AM

Victoria Theatre Founding Ambassador

24 January 2024

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Richard Owens AM on the 19th January and we extend to his family and friends our heartfelt condolences.

As many would know, Richard along with being an outstanding member of the Hunter community, a success in business and a philanthropist was also a Victoria Theatre Founding Ambassador and a great supporter of the theatre’s revival.

Century Group Executive Director Greg Khoury said today, “Daniel Ballantyne and I had meet with Richard on a number of occasions when we were in Newcastle, most recently around the time of the launch and celebration of Marty Adnum’s wonderful Oral Histories project in which Richard is featured. Richard’s enthusiasm, commitment and his wise counsel were invaluable to us and he was a great moral support to the Victoria project which we know was vitally important to him.”

 “We also know that Richard would have been delighted to know that scaffolding and decal images of the restored theatre have been installed and that remedial works will commence shortly on the façade of the theatre.”

Preparatory Work commences at the Victoria Theatre

22 January 2024

Site preparations are starting at the oldest theatre in NSW, the Victoria Theatre Newcastle, including the unveiling of an impressive hoarding across the building's façade featuring an artistic impression of the restored historic building.  

 Preparations include further waste removal, establishing a site office and finalising the construction certificate. The historic facade will soon see cleaning and repairs. 

 Interior works will commence in May 2024. 

 The works have been made possible thanks to $4.1M in NSW Government funding from both the innovative Creative Capital Program and Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund. The Next Century Trust is matching the NSW Government's contribution and project managing the Victoria Theatre's revival to reopening. 

 Greg Khoury, Project Director for the Victoria Theatre and Executive Director at Century Venues said, “I am delighted we are taking these first big steps to get this daring cultural infrastructure project underway. It has been hugely challenging to secure the approvals and get funding in place, and there is much more to be done.”  

Century Venues welcomes Victoria Theatre funding

16 August 2022

Century Venues welcomes today’s announcement of $121,000 towards the remediation of the Victoria Theatre’s façade. This funding, provided through the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund (NPCCF), and matched by Century, is in addition to a $4 million investment announced by the NSW Government last month.

Today’s announcement marks an important milestone in the community-led efforts to safeguard and reopen the oldest purpose-built theatre in NSW. The earlier investment from NSW Government also creates a new model for the efficient provision of theatre infrastructure in NSW.

“These funding announcements are a vote of confidence in Newcastle and its growing visitor economy,” said Greg Khoury, Executive Director of Century Venues.

“We know from operating venues in Sydney that theatres have an enormous impact on the economic vitality and amenity of their immediate precincts and businesses that surround them,

“With the new QT Hotel across the street, a revived Victoria will transform Perkins Street and surrounds into an activated and inviting destination for locals and visitors alike,

“These commitments from the NPCCF and the NSW Government allow Century to progress our plans for the Victoria and marks a new chapter in the theatre’s 131-year history.”

Since acquiring the Victoria in 2015, Century has invested more than $4 million to clear and make safe the theatre and enable community use free of charge.

“Over the last few years, Century has been delighted to welcome visitors into the theatre for a range of events that have benefited or celebrated the Newcastle community and its achievements,”

“We know from these events that the people of Newcastle want the Victoria returned to them as a working heritage theatre. Significant announcements this year bring that goal one step closer.”

Plans to reopen the Victoria Theatre are DA-approved and according to an independent study would result in a positive economic impact exceeding $50 million upon completion.

Re-opening the theatre will be progressed in two stages, the first of which is now guaranteed thanks to the NPCCF and the NSW Government.

“With the funds provided through Creative Capital in July, Century can commence Stage 1 works that will enable the first ticketed, live performances at the venue within 24 months of commencement of works, after its closure almost 60 years ago,

"As these works commence, Century will match the NPCCF investment to restore the Perkins Street façade. This will compliment ongoing renewal in the precinct, including the new QT Hotel and East End development across the street.”

Stage 2 works, which remain subject to additional funding, would include the complete refurbishment of the 950-seat, State Heritage-listed venue. Century will provide further updates on Stage 2 after initial works have commenced.