Empire Theatre takes centre stage in Toowoomba

Tuesday 5 June 2012

The Empire Theatre in Toowoomba will receive $2 million from Round Two of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) to build a new state-of-the-art black box theatre that will seat 350 people and attract a new variety of performances.

The $5.5 million project will provide an economic and jobs boost and drive a new stream of performances to the historic theatre complex.

Through RDAF, the Federal Government will provide the Toowoomba Regional Council with $2 million to bring the $5.5 million Toowoomba Regional Arts and Community Centre to life.

The new venue will be used by professional and community arts groups, local youth groups and touring companies. The project is expected to create 18 jobs during construction and nine ongoing positions when complete.

Minister for Regional Australia, Simon Crean said the second round of RDAF will invest $200 million in projects across Australia, including $33.6 million for eight projects in Queensland with a total value of more than $134 million.

For more information about RDAF visit Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport website.