The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is slated for a $500,000 upgrade in the near future.
Most noticeably, the refurbishment seeks to include a new smaller stage within the Bowl’s grounds in order to increase both festival and artist accommodation of all sizes. Currently, the venue only has the means to host bigger acts who are able to supply their own lighting and sound equipment.
Other planned upgrades to the Bowl include food and beverage facilities, a refresh to back-of-house facilities, improved public toilets and more.
As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the State Government awarded the funds to Arts Centre Melbourne to commission architectural plans for the upgrade.
Arts Centre chief executive Claire Spencer told the Herald the refurbishment would allow the Bowl to become more flexible in its hosting capabilities.
“At the moment, it’s a one-stage venue but we aspire to a venue that is more flexible and can be used in multiple ways with multiple activation zones,” Spencer said.
“We’d like it to be more festival based. We’re always going to keep the main stage but we’re finding now that people want a more layered experience and want to wander from stage to stage.”
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl underwent its last refurbishment two decades ago.
“With clever architects we’re going to be able to demonstrate that we have an absolute jewel here in The Bowl and there’s a huge opportunity to develop it,” Spencer added.
“COVID has accelerated that and brought it into focus. The spirit of The Bowl as an outdoor venue will remain but we’re hoping it can again live up to its iconic status in Victoria, and around the country.”