In 2015, Century took a leap of faith and committed to buying the Victoria Theatre in Newcastle.

The Century Management team knew that if they didn’t act quickly, another Australian theatre could be lost forever.  Century committed to purchasing the building in November 2015 and settled in February 2016.

Since then, Century Group has invested over $800,000 to clear the theatre, make the building safe and compliant, produce a design by Scott Carver Architects and submit a first-class development application to the City of Newcastle.

Progress

With major milestones achieved and a growing realisation across NSW that new ways must be forged, the time is now right for the Victoria Theatre. 

Ahead of all other potential NSW theatre revivals, the Victoria is ready to go, and the $11.5 million capital injection required is modest (in comparison to a new theatre build) and no further funding will be required. 

After four years of research and due diligence - including deep engagement from the grassroots through to the highest-level policy and decision makers - Century Group has vowed to hold the Victoria building as a theatre in perpetuity. 

What next?

We want to positively change the NSW political and policy environment, so government and private sectors are incentivised and rewarded for funding the revival of cultural infrastructure.  They do it to great success in Victoria so why not in NSW? If we can instigate these important changes, Newcastle and the Hunter will be a trailblazer for the state.  

We are currently working on an advocacy campaign, thanks to the amazing support from our Founding Ambassadors, to reproduce the proven success of the Victorian funding model where a one-off capital injection by government secures the revival of these unique heritage theatres.   Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett referred to his state’s economic turnaround as The Phantom of the Opera led recovery when the Princess theatre was restored through a one-off, joint funding partnership with government. 

Century would also like to thank the advocacy group Revive The Vic for their passion and commitment in bringing attention to the Victoria and canvassing its great potential. 

Watch this space!