Princess Theatre and Earl Street Theatre Project

What is involved in redeveloping the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre? 

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

Why is the project needed? 

The Princess Theatre has served the Launceston community for more than 100 years. While both venues are well loved, parts of the precinct no longer meet modern accessibility, safety and performance requirements. 

The redevelopment will preserve the heritage character of the Princess Theatre while creating contemporary facilities that better support audiences, performers, production teams and the wider community for generations to come. 

What are the benefits of the project? 

The redevelopment will: 

• Create a more accessible and welcoming performing arts precinct for the community.
• Provide improved performance, production and backstage facilities for performers, production teams and visiting companies.
• Deliver more comfortable, safer and better-equipped spaces for audiences, performers and staff.
• Build a new Earl Street Theatre that complements the heritage-listed Princess Theatre and supports a wider range of performances.
• Support local jobs during construction and help grow Launceston's cultural tourism and economy.
• Use energy-efficient systems and sustainable building practices to reduce the precinct's environmental footprint.
• Ensure the Princess Theatre continues to serve the community by carefully restoring its heritage while meeting modern accessibility, safety and performance standards. 

How is the project funded? 

The redevelopment is an investment in Launceston's cultural future, ensuring these much-loved venues continue to serve the community for generations to come.  

The project is jointly funded by the City of Launceston and the Australian Government, including a $12.7 million contribution through the Growing Regions Program. 

When will the precinct reopen? 

Both venues are expected to reopen in early 2028. We are working closely with Theatre North to ensure we have an exciting program of performances planned for the 2028 season.

Design  

Who designed the project? 

The redevelopment was designed by heritage architects Lovell Chen, who have restored many well-known theatres across Australia, including Melbourne's Regent Theatre, Princess Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre and Palais Theatre. They were supported by internationally recognised theatre planning consultants Schuler Shook. 

What are the key features of the design? 

Key features of the design include: 

• A new purpose-built Earl Street Theatre.
• Improved accessibility throughout the precinct, including lift access to all public levels of the Princess Theatre.
• Modern foyers, a new bar, ticketing facilities and improved public amenities.
• Upgraded backstage, production and technical facilities to support a wider range of performances.
• More comfortable, safer and better-equipped spaces for audiences, performers and staff.
• Contemporary building systems that improve safety, functionality and energy efficiency. 

How is the heritage of the Princess Theatre be protected? 

The redevelopment has been carefully designed to protect the Princess Theatre's heritage while being modernised for future generations. 

Wherever possible, heritage features will be preserved and restored. This includes the Art Deco façade and foyer elements such as the decorative ceiling, dark timber joinery, decorative balustrades and terrazzo flooring.  

In addition, the Theatre’s vertical neon sign will be replaced with a sign detailed to match the circa 1939 original.  

Upgrades will also make the theatre safer, more accessible and better suited to modern performances. 

What accessibility upgrades does it include? 

When complete, the precinct will be more accessible, safer and easier to use. The redevelopment includes:

• Improved accessibility throughout the precinct
• Lift access to all public levels of the Princess Theatre
• Improved performer access
• More inclusive facilities for audiences and staff.

Construction

When will construction start? 

Construction began in early 2026 with early works to prepare the site for redevelopment. This included demolishing the former Earl Arts Centre and preparing the Princess Theatre for restoration.  

Major construction is now underway and will take up to 18-24 months to complete. 

Who is the construction contractor? 

Local contractor Fairbrother has been appointed to deliver the redevelopment.  

How long will construction take? 

Major construction is underway and the precinct is expected to reopen in early 2028. 

What are the construction working hours? 

Most works will take place during standard hours: 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 5pm Saturdays. Advance notice will be provided if works are required outside these hours. 

Will there be changes to traffic and access? 

Yes. There will be temporary changes to traffic and access around the precinct while the Princess Theatre is restored and the new Earl Street Theatre is built. 

Temporary traffic changes are in place on Earl Street and Brisbane Street for the duration of construction. 

Vehicle access to the Best Western Hotel and surrounding businesses will be maintained wherever possible. We will provide advance notice of any planned access changes. 

How will the community be notified about disruptions? 

We are committed to keeping residents, businesses, theatre users and visitors informed throughout construction. 

Updates will be shared through the project website, email updates, social media, signage and direct notifications. 

Will local business remain accessible? 

Yes, we will maintain access to local businesses during construction. 

Will both theatres remain closed during construction? 

Yes. Both Theatres will remain closed during construction. During this time, Albert Hall will be the primary venue for theatre performances, concerts and community events. 

Operations  

Will the Earl Street Theatre have more capacity? 

Yes. The new theatre will have a maximum seating capacity of more than 240 seats, an increase from the existing 184 seats in the Earl Arts Centre. 

Communications and Engagement   

How has the community been consulted about this project? 

The City of Launceston has been engaging with theatre users, arts organisations, businesses, stakeholders and the wider community since 2021 to ensure the precinct meets the current and future needs of the community. 

Feedback received to date has helped inform the precinct designs, improve accessibility and functionality, and guide planning for construction and operational impacts. We will continue to keep the community informed and engage with stakeholders throughout construction as the project progresses. 

How can I get more information? 

For more information: 

• Phone: 6323 3000
• Email: contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au