The Victoria Theatre redevelopment, led by Century Venues, has reached an important stage, with detailed investigations providing the clearest understanding yet of the work required to restore the historic building.

Those investigations have confirmed that restoring the building’s structure is more complex than originally understood. As a result, additional planning and technical work will be required before construction can proceed, and the project's timeframe will need to be revised.

This additional work is essential to developing the right long-term solution, balancing heritage restoration with the creation of a safe, sustainable and fully functioning venue for future generations.

Since acquiring the building in 2016, Century Venues and the Next Century Trust have invested more than $5.5 million in protecting the theatre, investigating its condition, expanding the project through the acquisition of 4-6 Perkins Street, securing government support and planning its return as a live performance venue for Newcastle and the Hunter.

Throughout this period, the venue has been made available to the community at no cost under strictly controlled conditions, hosting the University of Newcastle, the City of Newcastle, the CONDA Awards, and a range of productions, festivals, conferences, and fundraising events, reflecting Century's ongoing commitment to the city's cultural life.

This commitment remains unchanged. While the work ahead is more extensive than originally anticipated, Century’s focus remains firmly on restoring and reopening the theatre as a cultural asset that Newcastle can be proud of for the next 100 years.