Australias largest city is poised to welcome a brand-new, Broadway-caliber playhouse, further enhancing its already impressive collection of performance spaces. The envisioned theater, a key component of a broader initiative to revitalize the current events center at The Star Sydney casino, recently received approval from the Department of Planning and now awaits final consent from the Independent Planning Commission.

This ambitious undertaking, spearheaded by Stephen Found, the driving force behind Sydney’s renowned Lyric Theatre and Capitol Theatre, seeks to convert The Star’s 4,000-capacity event center into a world-class entertainment destination. The blueprints feature a stunning 1,550-seat, two-level proscenium arch theater intended for large-scale Broadway-style productions, alongside a more intimate 1,000-seat live performance area ideal for contemporary music acts, stand-up comedy, and cabaret performances. Picture a single venue showcasing the finest of Broadway and more, all set against the stunning panorama of Sydney Harbour!

Although the inclusion of these theaters will undoubtedly elevate Sydney’s standing as a global entertainment hub, The Star’s CEO, Robbie Cooke, stresses that the project’s triumph depends on attaining financial sustainability. This implies a calculated move by The Star to strengthen its entertainment and hospitality offerings, potentially drawing a broader demographic and solidifying its place as a leading entertainment destination.

The harbor city aspires to be a world-renowned center for the performing arts, a goal they’re reviving after a temporary halt. A state-of-the-art performance complex is under construction, with the aim of turning the George Street and Haymarket vicinity into a vibrant theater zone, comparable to iconic destinations like Broadway and London’s West End. The building phase is projected to span a few years, followed by an additional year for the installation of elaborate interiors and stage technologies. Should everything proceed smoothly, Sydney’s impressive theater district will make its debut by the close of 2025.