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Geelong Old Courthouse reopens following $6.5 million redevelopment

Geelong Old Courthouse reopens following $6.5 million redevelopment
March 22, 2012

Geelong's Old Courthouse building has reopened as the Victorian city's newest arts space.

Reopened yesterday by Victorian Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu along with Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Development Peter Ryan, the historic building may look relatively unchanged from the outside, but on the inside almost everything is new, with care taken to respect the strong heritage values of the building.

Under the $6.5 million project, all internal areas have been completely renovated including the theatre, back of house facilities, art gallery and administration areas.

The old police cells have been demolished to make way for a new theatre rehearsal space, a new staircase and lobby have been built and there is now improved access to the building and outdoor café  area. Final touches are now being made.

The Old Court House building is home to internationally renowned Back to Back Theatre as well as Court House Arts and the Court House Café. The redevelopment has been funded by the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong managed the project.

Speaking at the opening, Premier Baillieu said the historic building had been through a number of incarnations in its 130 year history, but the latest transformation was the most exciting.

Premier Baillieu stated "what was once a place of confrontation and incarceration is now a place of freedom and creative expression.

"While the former Courthouse has served as a youth arts centre since the late 1990s, this extensive refurbishment has given it a renewed energy.

"The creativity of the new spaces is inspiring resident companies and the young people they work with."

Premier Baillieu said the Courthouse's key tenants - Courthouse ARTS and Back to Back Theatre - made an energetic couple, adding "Courthouse ARTS is renowned for its innovative programming and provides great opportunities for young people in the region, from mentoring and training to performance and work experience.

"Co-resident Back to Back Theatre is a company with a bold vision, a special voice and extraordinary creativity that has won plaudits worldwide, making it a Geelong-made international success story.

"Both companies are committed to making a positive contribution to the local community and will ensure that the Old Courthouse becomes a powerful and vibrant creative hub, particularly for young and emerging artists in the region," Mr Baillieu said.

The re-opening of the Old Courthouse, also marks the completion of the first stage in the development of a vibrant cultural precinct in Geelong.

The Old Courthouse redevelopment was funded by the Victorian Government - through Regional Development Victoria - with the City of Greater Geelong managing the project.

For more information go to www.courthouse.org.au

30th January 2012 - $650,000 FOR GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE REPAIRS

26th November 2010 - BRUMBY MAKES $80 MILLION COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS

6th May 2010 - GEELONG’S NEW PLAYHOUSE THEATRE UNVEILED


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