The iconic Roundhouse Entertainment Venue at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is an important part of daily campus life, having hosted a diverse range of events since its construction in 1961. It continues to be a key venue for concerts, events, conferences, seminars, box office, merchandise and food services.
Originally designed by the Government Architect and Edwards, Madigan, Torzillo, Briggs Architects who later built the National Gallery and High Court in Canberra, the Roundhouse was considered a cutting-edge architectural statement as Sydney’s first-ever circular building and one of the few buildings solely dedicated to student recreation on a campus in New South Wales.
The Roundhouse is prominently situated on the lower part of the UNSW Kensington campus, adjacent to Anzac Parade, between High Street and University Mall. The redevelopment was focused on improving the building’s functionality, creating an enhanced social environment.
Multiplex led the $24-million upgrade of the Roundhouse, working with Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects to prepare designs for the redevelopment. After years of ad-hoc additions, the building’s redevelopment was designed with the next 50 years in mind. Maxton Fox was engaged as the leading joinery partner for this highly technical project.
The upgrade, which was completed in 2017, also saw the addition of a permanent university bar and beer garden with a secondary bar area. With a capacity for 2,200 patrons, the Roundhouse remains one of the few venues in Sydney suitable for international live music performances.
Image credit: Multiplex
