The new Ian Potter Southbank Centre offers state-of-the-art teaching, learning, rehearsal and performance facilities in a building designed by leading architect John Wardle.

The $109 million project is the centrepiece of a once-in-a-generation transformation of arts training facilities on the University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus, and consolidates Conservatorium staff and students with staff and students of the Victorian College of the Arts in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.

With significant support from The Ian Potter Foundation and The Myer Foundation and family, the project includes a 400-plus-seat auditorium, as well as a public square that will contribute to the community space plan for the Melbourne Arts Precinct Blueprint.

Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said the Victorian Government was proud to partner with the University of Melbourne – and with its philanthropic supporters The Ian Potter Foundation and The Myer Foundation and family – to make the Ian Potter Southbank Centre project happen.

“The new Conservatorium will be a transformative link in our Arts Precinct that will boost our cultural and educational offering and attract the best and brightest talent to our creative state. It will further help build Southbank’s Sturt Street as the cultural hub of Melbourne,” Mr Foley said.

Mr Martyn Myer, who alongside The Myer Foundation and The Ian Potter Foundation has made a significant contribution to The Ian Potter Southbank Centre project, said philanthropy had been critical in bringing the project into existence.

“Philanthropy has played a foundational role in leveraging available resources to enable the complete transformation of the Southbank campus into one of the world’s very best arts education precincts.”