State Development Minister Cameron Dick has today gazetted his decision to approve a rare extension to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre at South Brisbane.

The move paves the way for a new 1500-seat theatre to be built on the corner of Grey and Russell Streets, opposite the ABC headquarters. It will also have two new studios located below street level, visible from Russell Street and the main foyer, and transparent foyer spaces.

According to QPAC, which has been promised $125 million in government funding towards the $150 million cost, the new theatre could attract an additional 300,000 visitors each year, boosting the surrounding cultural precinct and South Bank.

In 2017-18, QPAC had a record attendance of 1.5 million people, however the pandemic restrictions will likely make 2020 the worst year on record.

In his decision, Dick was required to weigh up submissions for and against the project, including that it clashed with the heritage-listed QPAC architecture. He noted the Queensland Heritage Council had approved the project.

Concerns were also raised during the consultation process that “concentration of performance venues in one location diminishes Brisbane” however Dick said such considerations were not within the scope of his decision-making powers.

“The proposed development is in response to the recommendations of a detailed business case for a new theatre at this site,” the Minister said, noting various submissions in support of the project.

In future, people may be able to walk to QPAC from the CBD via the proposed Neville Bonner Bridge, which will connect South Bank with the Queen’s Wharf casino development. Queen’s Wharf has also drawn criticism for the potential concentration of restaurant and entertainment venues in one location.