Image credit: Grieve Gillett Architects
At a seating capacity of 492, the theatre is suburban Adelaide’s biggest, and with the exterior nearing completion, the stage is set for 2025.
The curtain is rising on an exciting new chapter for Noarlunga’s Hopgood Theatre, with work now underway on a $6 million internal refurbishment to rejuvenate this beloved cultural hub. The roof renewal completed by TAFE SA is now finished.
That means work can finally begin on the venue’s stunning new interior plans, expected to be finished by the end of 2025.
The ambitious project includes brand-new flooring, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, upgraded bathrooms, a modernized front-of-house area complete with a revamped bar, and fantastic new backstage facilities.
With a brand new bar and foyer area, Hopgood Theatre will be the place to experience local theatre in Adelaide’s South.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the upgrades mark a bold new era for the theatre. “This project ensures it will continue to shine for generations to come,” Mayor Were said.
“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,” Were said 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.”
TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman remarked on the construction progress, “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 upgrades reflect input from the community, in an effort to attract diverse performances through a modern, technologically advanced theatre space.
By late 2025, Hopgood Theatre will welcome back local and international performers as well as its tight-knit community of schools and students in the arts. Work will take a short break over the holiday period before continuing in January, on track for an official grand opening next year.
The major refurbishment, funded by the state government, was announced in 2022 as part of a landmark agreement which saw the council assume management of the theatre through a 25-year lease with TAFE SA.
Since 1985, Hopgood Theatre has been a hub for performing arts, welcoming local audiences to the beloved venue. The upgrades will guarantee the theatre will continue to bring joy to the Noarlunga community and beyond well into the future.
Stay up to date on the progress of the refurbishment by visiting the Your Say Onkaparinga website for the latest news and insights.
