Official Opening of Stage Two at Burnie Arts
Published on 11 November 2025
Doors have officially opened at Burnie’s new cultural precinct, following a $20.5 million revitalisation of the city's arts institutions in the heart of the CBD.
An opening event held on Monday 10 November, 2025 was the culmination of four years’ work to redevelop the former Civic Centre built in 1976.
The vision was simple but ambitious – create Burnie’s cultural hub for the broad community, fuse together art and museum collections, the performing arts, functions, workshops and events, and break down cultural barriers to ensure that everyone is welcome.
Burnie City Council Mayor Teeny Brumby spoke at the event;
"This remarkable $20 million renewal, a complete and bold transformation of a 50 year old building stands as evidence that Burnie believes in culture, in creativity, and in its future. The foundation of this redevelopment began years ago when former Mayor Steve Kons received an initial $5 million commitment through former Senator Steve Martin. And later, when Councillor Chris Lynch running as a federal candidate in the 2022 election, directly advocated for the additional $13 million to deliver the project in full. Today, every person who walks into this space will share the benefit of those efforts. On behalf of our community, I express our sincere thanks for that partnership."
Federal Minister for Transport the Honourable Catherine King MP was an honorary guest who also spoke to the 300 strong crowd;
“The new cultural precinct will deliver lasting benefits to the Burnie community. “It’s not just about improving the look and feel of an ageing building, it’s about driving the visitor economy and delivering those financial benefits to local businesses. “Most importantly it’s about incentivising the arts in the community, fostering local up-and-comers, and bringing in performances and exhibitions of all forms to Tasmania’s north-west.”
100,000 visitors are expected to visit the upgraded arts precinct each year.
Burnie Arts is open from 10am to 4pm - Monday to Saturday.