Media response - Hopgood Theatre upgrade and reopening
Published on 05 August 2025
Response to GLAM Adelaide.
- The journalist sent through a list of questions (below) about the theatre's upgrade and reopening.
Comments attributed to Jessica Tucker, Acting Director Operations
What inspired the decision to renovate the Hopgood Theatre, and what are the key goals of the transformation?
The decision to renovate the Hopgood Theatre was inspired by passionate advocacy from the City of Onkaparinga, the local community, the Save the Hopgood group (now known as the Onkaparinga Arts Theatres Supporters) and South Australia's arts sector, following a state government announcement to discontinue its funding.
Our goal was clear: secure the future of this much-loved landmark and reimagine it as a premier performing arts destination for Southern Adelaide.
Community feedback emphasised the need for a more modern, technologically advanced venue to attract a wider range of performances and enhance the audience experience.
The council was provided with a generous $6 million dollar grant from the Government of South Australia to carry out upgrades to the building.
This transformation:
- reflects the voice of the community and Council’s ongoing commitment to keeping the arts alive, accessible and thriving in the south
- upgrades the venue to world-class standards, helping to draw local, national and international acts
- ensures the theatre remains a welcoming and inclusive space for community groups, schools, emerging artists, businesses and civic events
- enhances comfort, accessibility and experience for both patrons and performers
- delivers a bold new chapter for a cultural landmark, revitalised and ready to inspire the next generation.
How has the renovation process been? Who was the design/construction team involved?
The journey began with TAFE SA’s replacement of the roof. Council then led the internal revitalisation, completing the project within nine months.
Despite the challenges of modernising an ageing facility, the process was collaborative, efficient, and highly effective, thanks to careful planning and strong partnerships.
We stretched the budget through smart design decisions to upgrade every area – from dressing rooms and green rooms to the rehearsal spaces and fly system.
Key project partners:
- State government Department for Education and TAFE SA
- Design: Grieve Gillett Architects, Secon Consulting Engineers, Marshall Day Acoustics, and AV Integration.
- Construction: SHAPE Australia.
What are some of the major front-of-house, bar and seating upgrades?
Some of the most striking improvements are in the front-of-house area, creating a modern, vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Highlights include:
- all-new seating in the main and smaller theatre for greater comfort
- new bar and café facilities with upgraded equipment for serving drinks, tea, coffee and snacks
- feature carpeting, painting, cladding and neon pink signage, giving the venue a distinctive new identity
- improved seating options throughout the foyer and upper level
- new bi-fold doors and glazing to connect the theatre to Ramsay Place and improve public access
- digital signage to promote upcoming performances.
- refurbished amenities, including fully upgraded toilets.
How will these upgrades enhance the experience for audiences and performers?
This is about delivering a world-class experience – not just for audiences, but for performers and hirers too. Enhancements include:
- improved wayfinding and signage – addressing a previous frustration flagged by patrons
- 10 new wheelchair and companion seating spaces – significantly improving accessibility
- new LED lighting and upgraded audio-visual systems – creating stunning sound and lighting effects for performers at all levels
- acoustic treatments and a new sound system – vastly improving the quality of performances.
- the old TAFE lecture theatre has been transformed into a smaller, intimate performance space, broadening programming possibilities
- a reimagined foyer – modern, spacious and welcoming from the moment you arrive.
What’s the theatre’s significance to the community?
Since opening in 1985 as part of the Southern TAFE campus, the Hopgood Theatre has been a cornerstone of the region’s arts and culture. With a 481-seat main auditorium, it’s one of suburban Adelaide’s largest and most significant performing arts venues.
The theatre has consistently drawn diverse audiences – from school and community groups to touring performers – with pre-COVID patronage of around 44,000 annually.
Its continued existence is thanks to tireless advocacy from the community, elected representatives and Council, who united to save the venue when its future was at risk.
Today, it stands as more than a stage – it’s a cultural and civic hub that supports education, participation and connection across our region.
Were any original features retained? Was this a restoration or a modernisation?
The upgrade strikes a balance between preserving the theatre’s heritage and delivering modern functionality.
Key architectural elements like the bullnosed roof, clerestory windows, custom brickwork, and expressed concrete have been retained.
Even the original 1980s tubular light frames have been preserved – now retrofitted with energy-efficient LED tubes.
When is the official reopening? Any events planned?
The official reopening event is scheduled for 24 October 2025. There will also be a public open day on Saturday 25 October. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
ENDS