Mittagong Memorial Hall (Mittagong Playhouse)

Project typeBuilding refurbishment
Contractor nameCorporate Interior Projects Pty Ltd

Render of Theatre Auditorium View at Mittagong Playhouse

Latest Update

In April, design for the auditorium slab substructure was completed, and site preparation finished, including excavation of footings and installation of steel reinforcement. Construction of the auditorium slab substructure is currently underway.

Time-lapse video project update

See our latest time-lapse video below.

Timeline

Progress to date includes the following;

Extensive onsite investigation and design.
Floorplan(PDF, 4MB) and design consultation with community user groups.
Submission and approval of a Development Application via the 28 June 2023 Local Planning Panel.
$4.3M funding secured from the Australian Government via the Growing Regions Program, which Council is matching at a 50:50 contribution.
Appointment of a Head Contractor at the 17 September 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council, following an Expression of Interest and Select Tender procurement process.
Construction to commence on 24 November 2025.
Site establishment, minor non-structural demolition and internal services stripped in December 2025.
75% of the demolition works are now completed. These included areas for new amenities, lift shaft, backstage entry to stage, plant room, and removal of auditorium seating and flooring. An engineering inspection of the existing auditorium structure and state structure identified the need for replacement. These structures are now demolished. These works took place in January and February 2026.
Design and planning for the new auditorium substructure and stage structure are underway. Next steps will be the construction of the new auditorium substructure, enabling completion of the remaining demolition works.

Background

The Mittagong Memorial Hall as we know it today is a testament to community re-adaptation of facilities over time, as it is the amalgamation of three unique buildings into one.

The Playhouse is a heritage-listed building that has high social and architectural significance. It has formerly served the community as a School of Arts, Mittagong Council Chambers and a community hall.

Today, the building is a beloved playhouse and community centre, hosting small theatre, dance, and music productions. It was also home to the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society and its collection of precious documents, which will be permanently relocated to the Civic Centre in Moss Vale as part of this project.

Unfortunately, due to a serious structural fault on the western side of the building, the Mittagong Playhouse had to be closed in late 2019.

The Project

The project objectives are focused on;

Essential building repairs and compliance upgrades.
Improved accessibility (e.g. lifts, seating, amenities).
Upgraded stage, lighting, sound and theatre facilities.
Refreshed front-of-house and audience areas.
Enhanced comfort and safety for performers and audiences.

Construction is expected to commence on Monday, 24 November 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Pedestrian and traffic impacts during construction

Mittagong Playhouse Construction site plan

Parking in front of the Regal Centre and adjoining businesses will change from 90-degree to 45-degree parking. This area will operate one way only, from Bowral Road towards Main Street.

The slip lane and first parking bay off Main Street will be closed. Access to the second parking bay will remain available from Main Street (see red arrow).

Pedestrian access around the Playhouse will be temporarily diverted via Bowral Road (see blue arrows).

One street tree on Bowral Road will be removed and replaced at a later stage. Some additional tree trimming will be carried out to allow safe access to the building façade.

Frequently Asked Questions

See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for more details. Further information will be added to this project page once available.

Why is the Mittagong Memorial Hall (Mittagong Playhouse) being refurbished?

Mittagong Playhouse is an important cultural and community venue. Refurbishment will ensure the building is safe, accessible, and fit-for-purpose, while respecting its heritage value. The upgrades will create a modern, welcoming space for performances, events, and community use.

What improvements are included in the refurbishment?

The works will focus on:

Essential building repairs and compliance upgrades

Improved accessibility (e.g. lifts, seating, amenities)

Upgraded stage, lighting, and sound facilities

Refreshed front-of-house and audience areas

Enhanced comfort and safety for performers and audiences

Who is delivering the project?

The refurbishment is being delivered by Wingecarribee Shire Council, with input from local arts, culture, and community stakeholders.

Which contractor has been appointed?

Corporate Interior Projects Pty Ltd has been appointed following a formal tender process.

When will construction start and how long will it take?

Construction is expected to begin late 2025 and is expected to be complete by December 2026, subject to issue of planning certificates and site conditions.

Why does it take time before works can begin?

With the project having received planning approval via the Local Planning Panel, Council now needs to apply for and receive issue of a Construction Certificate from a Principle Certifying Authority. This process ensures the proposed works comply with National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards and development consent and conditions.

Will there be disruptions during the refurbishment?

Yes. The Playhouse will be closed to the public during construction with minor impacts to pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Council will keep the community updated on progress and provide clear timelines as the project moves forward via the Project Page Mittagong Memorial Hall (Mittagong Playhouse) | Wingecarribee Shire Council

Will more parking be available once the refurbishment is complete?

The refurbishment project is focused on the Playhouse building itself, however once the western wall of the Playhouse is made structurally safe the 6 carparks currently blocked by the wall props will be returned to community use.

Will the heritage character of the Playhouse be preserved?

Yes. The refurbishment will respect and protect the heritage values of the building while making improvements to safety, accessibility, and amenity. The project will be delivered under the guidance of an experienced Heritage Advisor to protect and preserve heritage fabric.

How is the project being funded?

The refurbishment is funded through Wingecarribee Shire Council funding and Australian Government through Growing Regions Program

What is the cost of refurbishment?

The cost of the refurbishment is $8.66 million.

How will the community be kept informed?

Regular updates will be provided via Council’s website, social media, newsletters, and local media.

What will the refurbished Playhouse mean for the community?

A revitalised cultural hub that supports local performers, attracts visiting productions, and provides a welcoming and accessible venue for community events and celebrations.