Marian St Theatre

Closed since 2013. The business case is complete. It’s designed. Just build it.

Get Involved

Design Approved

Iconic architectural plans finalised.

Overwhelming Support

From local community, arts groups, and organisations.

No Work Commenced

Ku-ring-gai Council owns the theatre. It’s been closed since 2013.

Just Build It

Why Marian St Theatre?

For over a century, Marian Street Theatre has been a place where community, creativity, and culture come together. Now, with an approved redevelopment design that respects its heritage while delivering a contemporary, multi-use performance space, it is now time to bring it back to life.

Infastructure Shortage

No space for the arts, despite millions for sport…

In Ku-ring-gai, there are 44 sporting fields available for hire, 67 tennis courts, 2 public golf courses, and a fitness and aquatic centre. And no space for the performing arts. Lack of venues for the creative arts was a critical issue identified in the NSW Creative Communities Policy released in December 2023. In Ku-ring-gai, at least 26.6m has recently been spent on 2 basketball courts inside St Ives High School, with a contribution of 3.5m from the NSW Department of Education. No additional funds have been allocated to the arts in recent years, and Marian St Theatre has been closed since 2013.

Community Demand

Growing population and growing demand…

97% of Australians engage in the arts. In Ku-ring-gai according to the recent census data, there are higher numbers of families with young children, older people, people born overseas, and those with a university education – all groups who value and have greater demand for the arts. Additionally, three in four Australians agree that creative activities should be an important part of education. The area is forecast to grow by 7,600 dwellings by 2029 due to NSW housing reforms, in addition to its planned growth on its current 45,920 dwellings. Additional services need to be provided to these new residents. Marian St Theatre should be part of this.

Heritage

Over 100 years of our history is worth preserving…

Marian St Theatre has been an icon of the community for over 100 years. Marian St Theatre has been an icon of the community for over 100 years. The land was bought for a community hall by residents in 1905, becomes a memorial hall in 1918, and a theatre in 1966, generations of community memory is linked to the building. Once the building is gone, it is gone forever, and it should be preserved for future generations.