Princess Theatre & Earl Arts Centre Redevelopment

The upgrades to the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre Complex will improve the accessibility and functionality of one of Launceston's most important cultural facilities.

Status: IN PROGRESS

The City of Launceston is delivering a major redevelopment of the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Theatre, with construction works set to begin in early 2026.

This marks a significant milestone in the renewal of one of Tasmania’s most important cultural precincts and follows years of detailed planning, design and consultation to ensure the historic Princess Theatre is carefully conserved while being modernised for future generations.

The redevelopment will see the Princess Theatre restored and upgraded to meet contemporary safety, accessibility and performance standards, while the Earl Arts Centre will be fully reconstructed as a new, purpose-built venue that complements the heritage theatre and expands Launceston’s performing arts capacity.

During the closure of the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre, the Albert Hall will serve as Launceston’s primary alternative venue for major theatre performances, concerts and events.

This project is supported by a $12.7 million grant from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program. This partnership demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving and enhancing Launceston’s cultural heritage and supporting the future of performing arts in the community.

A proud history

The heritage-listed Princess Theatre was constructed in 1911 by Melbourne vaudeville entrepreneur Marino Lucas. For much of its history, the building operated as a cinema, including a period under the management of the Hoyts cinema chain, which introduced the foyer’s art deco detailing during renovations in 1939. The theatre continued to operate as a cinema until it was acquired by the City of Launceston in 1970.

The Earl Arts Centre, a black box theatre designed to support smaller-scale productions, was added to the precinct in 1993. Managed by Theatre North since the mid-1990s, the complex has hosted a diverse program of local, national and international performances, but its operation has been limited by ageing front-of-house and back-of-house facilities.

Render of the new Earl Arts Theatre façade

What to expect from the redevelopment

The redevelopment will improve accessibility for performers and patrons, enhance audience amenities, modernise backstage and technical facilities, and create welcoming new foyer, bar and gathering spaces. Together, the two venues will provide safer, more inclusive and more versatile spaces for local, national and international performances.

Improved accessibility

Improved accessibility is a key focus of the redevelopment, with access and a lift providing access to all public levels of the Princess Theatre. These upgrades will support patrons, performers and staff, ensuring a more inclusive and welcoming experience for all users of the venue.

Refurbished public spaces and amenities

The Princess Theatre will undergo a sensitive refurbishment and restoration, including façade works and revitalised foyers. New and upgraded public amenities will improve comfort and functionality while respecting the heritage character of this much-loved theatre.

Enhanced performance and production facilities

Upgrades to front-of-house and back-of-house areas will improve functionality for performers, production teams and visiting companies, supporting a broader range of performances and a smoother experience behind the scenes.

A renewed Earl Arts Theatre

A newly constructed Earl Arts Theatre will replace the existing facilities, providing a contemporary black box theatre that meets current production standards and audience expectations. The new space will continue to support smaller-scale and experimental performances while significantly improving usability and comfort.

Improved backstage facilities

Modernised backstage areas across the precinct will enhance the working environment for artists and technical crews, supporting efficient production delivery and reinforcing the venue’s reputation as a desirable place to perform.

Upgraded safety and compliance

The redevelopment will deliver significant upgrades to building services and systems, ensuring compliance with contemporary building and safety standards and providing a safe, secure environment for all patrons, performers and staff.

Securing the future of a cultural landmark

These improvements will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Theatre as vital cultural and community assets. The redevelopment represents a major investment in Launceston’s performing arts infrastructure, supporting creativity, heritage and cultural life well into the future.

Render of the new Earl Arts Theatre auditorium

Timeline

Late 2025
Princess Theatre and the Earl Arts Centre closes for redevelopment and the construction contract awarded

Early 2026
Construction begins

2026 - mid 2027
Ongoing construction and refurbishment

Late 2027
Construction complete, fit out, testing and handover

Early 2028
Official reopening of the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Theatre precinct

Princess Theatre & Earl Arts Centre Upgrades - News

DA lodged for Princess Theatre redevelopment - November 2025

$12.7m Federal investment secured for Princess Theatre project - January 2025

DA to be lodged for Princess Theatre project this year - May 2024

Planning for Princess Theatre upgrades underway - January 2024