About the project
Conrad Gargett contributed to the extensive upgrade of Queensland Theatre’s performance venue, the Bille Brown Theatre, which delivers the vision of a sophisticated ‘home’ venue for Queensland Theatre.
“We could not have imagined undertaking a project of this scale and complexity without the creativity, skill and determination of Conrad Gargett. Conrad Gargett is a practice that understands the intricate design of performing arts spaces. They appreciated the kind of audience experience we were hoping to deliver, both within the Bille Brown Theatre and in the adjoining bar, foyer and courtyard areas. Conrad Gargett professionally collaborated with us and drew on the expert knowledge that we brought to the project, at both artistic and technical levels."
Amanda Jolly, Executive Director, Queensland Theatre
The practice has been engaged with the visioning and design of this landmark project since 2016. The design presents a functional and industrial aesthetic that complements the history of the significant site, formerly home to the West End Brewery. The focus of the design is to heighten the intimate theatrical experience of the main studio space and position Queensland Theatre as an economic and sustainable entity for hosting performing arts, theatre and workshops for the creative arts community and general public. Resolving the functional complexities of the technical design aspects was a focus of the theatre design. Emphasis was given to the patron experience, holistically considered through the strategic planning of audience accessibility, amenity and comfort.
Conrad Gargett remains committed to supporting Queensland Theatre’s vision of being Australia’s finest theatre company by the 50th anniversary in 2020.
This has been a project with a tight timeframe and a limited budget, which has been carefully and successfully managed by Conrad Gargett (Ian Mitchell and Nic Martoo, with assistance from Bruce Wolfe). More than anything else, we have been so impressed by the dedication of the team. It has been a pleasure to work together. The team has given this project 110% and it is illustrated in the finished result.”
