A $32 MILLION proposal to extend the State Theatre’s stage and backstage facilities could breathe new life into one of Sydney’s most beautiful venues, but it may mean the loss of the famous Mick Simmons store on George Street.
A development application from the State Theatre owner, Amalgamated Holdings, to extend the stage includes a proposal to demolish the two-storey Mick Simmons building, including the wall between the theatre and the store. That would make room for renovations to the theatre before a new 16-storey retail and commercial building was built facing George Street.
The proposal is part of a long-term plan by AHL, dating back to 2005 when it bought the Mick Simmons building for $12.5 million, to make the State Theatre suitable for major theatre and musical productions. The theatre suffers from a lack of wing space and a small loading dock. AHL is also converting the upper levels of the heritage-listed theatre and the Gowings building next door into a 196-suite boutique hotel.
SMH, Wendy Frew, January 27, 2012
Photo source: State Theatre
