Proposed Designs for Hamilton's Entertainment Precinct on Public Exhib

Published on 21 October 2026

View designs here

Southern Grampians Shire Council invites residents to have their say on proposed designs for the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre (PAC) and Cinema, which will form an important part of the New Hamilton Gallery project and civic precinct. 

Architects Angelo Candalepas and Associates (ACA) commenced development of the PAC designs after the extensive community co-design process which shaped the new Hamilton Gallery concepts. 

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the designs propose to relocate the Cinema into the Performing Arts Centre building within the function room area which will see greater activation of the space whilst improving the community’s experience in creating areas within the building for people to connect and socialise. 

"The proposed designs aim to deliver more versatile spaces, improve the audience experience and create greater opportunities for cultural, creative and community activities,” said Cr Heslin. 

“A key feature of the proposal is the integration of the Cinema within the PAC building, in the supper room, creating a multifunctional venue capable of supporting cinema screenings, both intimate and large-scale live performances and productions, talks, community events and other cultural activities.” 

Cr Heslin said the design had been informed by cinema attendance and future community needs. 

“The proposed cinema will feature approximately 68 seats, compared with 121 seats in the current facility. Analysis of 3,964 cinema sessions found only 55 screenings per annum, or 1.39 per cent, attracted more than 68 attendees, with an average of 11 people per session. 

"Data shows only a small number of screenings each year currently exceed the proposed new cinema capacity," he said. 

A cinema projector will also be added to the existing 500 seat auditorium to ensure we can cater for larger cinema audiences, which usually occurs during school holidays. This will provide great operational versatility, providing the option of a small or large cinema, as well as a small or large theatre/performing arts space.  

"The new cinema has been designed to provide a more intimate and comfortable experience for most screenings, while larger audiences can still be accommodated in the main auditorium during peak periods such as school holidays." 

The redesign will also include improvements to audience and foyer spaces, with the new layout creating additional areas including a new bar, box office and amenities.  

“The PAC Supper Room has reduced in usage over the last 10 years since the Hamilton Exhibition and Conference Centre has been built and is most often used now as an additional bar area or green room," Cr Heslin said. 

"Obviously there are notable exceptions here, being the Rotary Art Show and the Eisteddfod, but we will work with those groups to ensure that their events can be accommodated within the revised facility or a suitable alternative within the Community Hub. 

"Rather than simply replacing the existing facilities, we're exploring how these spaces can better serve our community and support more activities year-round. 

"The proposed changes will improve accessibility, circulation, amenities and acoustics while giving us the flexibility to adapt spaces to different events and audience needs. 

"What we've heard loud and clear from our engagement process is the Cinema is a much-loved service that must remain and so we’re pleased to have been able to come to this solution." 

The proposed cinema build is estimated at $2.141 million. This cost will be included in the new Hamilton Gallery construction contract. This has been allowed for in our fundraising/advocacy strategy and will not increase Council’s contribution of $10 million to the new gallery.   
 
Cr Heslin encouraged residents to review the designs and share their feedback. 

"This is about creating vibrant, flexible spaces that support arts, entertainment, learning and community connection, and we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to take a look at the designs." 

Designs are available to view online at Cinema and Performing Arts Centre | Engage Southern Grampians  or at the Hamilton Cinema and Performing Arts Centre. 

The public exhibition closes 5:00pm on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Residents can view the designs and provide feedback via Council's website. 

Feedback received during the public exhibition period will inform the ongoing development of the designs.