Published on 15 December 2021

Hopgood Theatre saved!

Following passionate and energetic advocacy by the City of Onkaparinga on behalf of residents and the SA arts community, a multi-million dollar deal has been struck to secure the future of the Hopgood Theatre in Noarlunga.

The deal will see the state government sell the theatre to the City of Onkaparinga at a market value of $3.62m, and provide a grant to council to cover the purchase costs.

The state government will also provide a further $5.3m to refurbish and upgrade the theatre to ensure it can continue serving the community for decades to come.

“This is a huge win for Onkaparinga and the entire state. Through years of passionate advocacy and negotiation with the state government, the council and our community have now secured the future of this prized cultural asset.” said Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson.

“The Hopgood Theatre provides an accessible space for local artists to perform, entertains residents through performances from interstate and abroad, and provides schools with a great local venue for skills development and arts performance.

“I sincerely thank Minister Gardner and the state government for their commitment to help save the premier performing arts facility in Southern Adelaide, which will now be owned and managed by the City of Onkaparinga.

“My sincere thanks also to our community and local and federal MPs, who so passionately got behind us in our advocacy to the state, who stood with us on the steps of Parliament House, established a dedicated campaign Facebook page, and helped us present the strongest possible case to save the theatre.

“I particularly want to recognise Harry Dewar, Don Chapman and Councillor Bill Jamieson for their energy, commitment and strong resolve to drive this campaign and keep the fire burning, “Mayor Thompson said.

The transfer of the Hopgood Theatre is required to be finalised before 30 June 2022 through the signing of a Deed and exchange of title and funding.

In the interim, Country Arts SA will continue to be funded to run the theatre in the first six months of 2022, with a view to a further six-month extension should it be required.

The City of Onkaparinga will work with Country Arts SA to finalise the transfer of operational management.

The Hopgood Theatre is a vital and positive arts venue which operates both day and night with annual patronage of around 44,000 people (pre-covid figures) drawing a wide range of patrons including schools, community groups and seniors.

It is envisaged the $5.3 refurbishment grant will deliver:

• New glazing, floor finishes and improved visibility and interface between the foyer and Ramsay Place
• New kitchen, bar and box office facilities, with fully refurbished amenities
• Major refurbishment of the theatre, auditorium and lecture theatre including replacement of all seating, painting, new carpets and addition of acoustic wall panelling
• New flooring and curtains to stage areas, and replacement of existing AV and theatre lighting with a new integrated system
• Refurbishment of supporting theatre facilities including the green room, rehearsal room, dressing rooms and corridors.

“This investment will ensure the Hopgood Theatre will continue to be the premier arts destination in southern Adelaide for decades to come,” Mayor Thompson said.