CPAC – ‘The Precinct”
The Cairns Performing Art Centre officially opened on the 15th October 2018, making a rich new beginning in the cultural life of Far North Queensland. CPAC sits at the heart of a Council-led initiative entitled The Precinct, consisting of the performing arts centre, tropical parkland and amphitheatre. The new building celebrates its enviable tropical location and acknowledges the importance that cultural facilities play in the life of a community. The $71 million project took approximately two years to construct.
Technically, the building is equipped to support the world’s finest performers and at the same time it maintains a scale appropriate to local community performers who were showcased on the inspirational opening night.
The project was proudly conceived and delivered in association with Cox in Brisbane and CA Architects in Cairns. Architecture & Access’ Brisbane office worked closely with the two architectural firms to provide access consulting services over the life of the project. We are proud to have been involved in such a key project that will enrich the lives of many generations to come. The key components of CPAC are:
- A 941 seat main auditorium incorporating balcony seating
- A significantly increased foyer, bar area and public amenities
- A studio theatre that can double as a 400-seat performance space, rehearsal and warm-up area
- Improved back of house facilities, including accessible dressing rooms and toilets, higher and covered loading bay
- A deeper stage, more spacious wings, higher proscenium arch, higher fly tower and more fly lines
- A much larger orchestra pit that is accessed via platform lift, providing better piano storage and access for all
- Improved acoustics