The Burnside State School Performing Arts Centre is a transformative facility designed to support growing student numbers and evolving educational needs. Delivering on the client’s brief within the set budget, the new centre offers a contemporary, inclusive space for learning, creativity, and community engagement.
At its core is a flexible performance hall on the ground level, accessible from Blaxland Road through a welcoming foyer and kiosk. This space can be divided into four dance and drama studios using large operable, acoustically treated walls. Retractable seating allows the hall to seamlessly adapt to a range of performances, large gatherings, or specialist activities.
Upper levels house the bio box, multimedia classroom, music learning spaces, ensemble rooms, smaller practice rooms, and new administration for the arts and drama department. State-of-the-art audiovisual services support a dynamic, multi-disciplinary curriculum.
Earthy, nature-inspired colours and materials anchor the building within its landscape and heritage. Sited on a steep embank-ment, the centre features carefully designed retaining walls, colourful landscaped undercroft spaces that spill from the foyer, and a covered stairway providing access to the main school campus.
Accessible both from the school above and as a standout civic building from Blaxland Road, the new Performing Arts Centre stands as a hub for creative development and community pride, empowering students to explore, perform, and connect for years to come.
