Hopgood Theatre's makeover begins
Published on 10 December 2024
Work has begun on a major internal refurbishment of the Hopgood Theatre, with the $6 million project to breathe new life into the beloved Southern Adelaide institution.
Work by TAFE SA to refurbish the theatre’s roof was completed this week, and the City of Onkaparinga is now commencing work on the building’s internal revitalisation.
Works will include flooring and new upgrades enhanced lighting and sound, improved bathrooms, a revamped front of house and bar, and superior backstage facilities – enhancing the experience for patrons and performers alike.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the upgrades would usher in a new era for the Hopgood.
“The Hopgood Theatre has been the home of performing arts in the south since 1985, and this project will ensure it continues to serve the community for decades to come,” she said.
“This refurbishment responds to community feedback and will result in a technologically superior and more modern theatre to help attract a broader range of performances and make for a more engaging audience experience.
“I can’t wait to see it open by the end of 2025 and to see the return of arts lovers, schools and local, national and international acts.”
The $6 million state government-funded refurbishment was announced in 2022 in a landmark deal that also saw the council take on management of the theatre under a 25-year lease agreement with TAFE SA.
The announcement followed tireless campaigning from the community and the council to save the Hopgood after the state government announced plans to discontinue funding the theatre in 2019.
The 492-seat capacity Hopgood is the largest theatre of its kind in suburban Adelaide, attracting thousands of attendees each year.
To stay up to date with the refurbishment’s progress, visit its Your Say Onkaparinga webpage, which you can follow for updates.
Quotes attributed to the Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer
“I’m excited that we have reached this milestone for the Hopgood Theatre. The upgrades funded with a $6m investment by the Malinauskas Labor Government will be a gamechanger for the local community.
The Malinauskas Labor Government promised we would save the Hopgood Theatre and that’s exactly what we have done. These upgrades will deliver a better facility for the community in the southern suburbs to enjoy into the future.”
Comments attributed to TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman:
“Now that the Hopgood Theatre has been leased to the City of Onkaparinga, and the essential roofing repairs are almost completed, we are excited to see the much-needed refurbishment work to the theatre commencing.
“As a valued community resource, the refurbished and refreshed Hopgood Theatre will provide a contemporary and fit for purpose performance space for artists and audiences to connect.
“We anticipate the theatre will be popular and widely used by schools and community organisations and for TAFE SA, the refurbished Hopgood Theatre will add even more life and creativity to our TAFE SA Noarlunga campus.
“The State Government had recognised the importance of the Hopgood Theatre and its role in supporting a vibrant community by providing local access to the arts. The commitment to the long term future of the theatre ensures it will continue to serve the local community for many years to come.
“We look forward to working with the City of Onkaparinga to ensure the Hopgood theatre thrives.”