The oldest surviving heritage theatre in
New South Wales.
Reviving The Victoria Theatre
The Victoria Theatre, built in 1891 on Perkins Street in Newcastle, is the oldest surviving heritage theatre in New South Wales and the fifth oldest in Australia. It stands as one of the Hunter’s most significant cultural landmarks.
In 2015, Century Venues took a leap of faith and committed to purchasing the Victoria Theatre to prevent the permanent loss of another historic Australian theatre. Century settled the acquisition in February 2016 and immediately began the careful work of stabilising and planning for the theatre’s revival.
Since that time, Century has invested over $1.5 million to clear the building, make it safe and compliant, undertake detailed heritage and structural assessments, and commission a comprehensive development application with a revival design by Scott Carver Architects, which has been approved by the City of Newcastle.
In 2024, Century deepened its commitment with the $2.36 million purchase of 4–6 Perkins Street, the corner site adjoining the theatre. This strategic acquisition extends the Victoria’s street presence, secures the full length of Theatre Lane, and enables the creation of a future integrated entertainment and cultural precinct.
The project has also received strong support from the NSW Government:
$4 million from the Creative Capital Program to support interior refurbishment
$121,000 from the Newcastle Ports Community Contribution Fund for initial façade conservation
$1 million in 2025 from the Activating State Heritage Program to advance façade illumination, improve Dress Circle access, and deliver heritage interpretation celebrating the Victoria’s remarkable story
To deliver the project, Century Venues established The Next Century Trust, a dedicated non-profit and DGR registered cultural enterprise responsible for raising the remaining funds, managing the project, and ensuring the theatre is revived for the people of Newcastle, the Hunter, and New South Wales.
2026 will mark a major phase in the revival project as we move through preparatory works, detailed structural and site investigations, construction certificate documentation, and the integration planning for 4–6 Perkins Street. These steps are essential foundations for the full restoration and reopening of the “Mighty Vic”.
When complete, the revived Victoria Theatre will provide a world‑class venue for live performance, community events, and cultural experiences, returning a long‑lost stage to the social and artistic fabric of the Hunter.
About The Victoria Theatre
The Victoria Theatre is a significant state heritage site located in the heart of Newcastle, NSW. Opened in 1891 and refurbished in 1921, it uniquely represents an era of silent pictures, vaudeville, and early legitimate theatre. Despite some alterations, its 1891 façade and dual-era auditorium remain largely intact.
This theatre, one of the largest and most popular in NSW, hosted plays, concerts, and operas until the 1950s. It is associated with notable Australian theatre companies and actors, reflecting the civic development of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Victorian Free Classical style façade contributes to the Perkins Street streetscape and holds aesthetic and representative significance.
Locally, the Victoria Theatre is linked to architect James Henderson and the firm Robertson and Marks. Though its cultural role diminished after the 1960s, the theatre’s potential renewal has sparked community interest, reaffirming its status as an important local landmark.
