Maclean Community Precinct (Maclean Civic Hall)

A purpose-build regional theatre in the Clarence Valley

The old Maclean Civic Hall is undergoing redevelopment to create a purpose-built regional theatre for the Clarence Valley.

It will be an inclusive and accessible space for the community and visitors to come together, celebrate our local identity and participate in new cultural experiences.

Project features

• 290-seat auditorium
• Contemporary performance facilities
• Two multi-purpose spaces for workshops, classes and rehearsal
• Outdoor public space with a small amphitheatre for small gatherings and storytelling
• Box office and gallery foyer
• Space for a café or restaurant
• Function room overlooking the Clarence River
• Accessible amenities
• Dedicated under-cover parking
  
  

Potential uses

• Local and regional performing arts, including theatre, dance, music and choirs
• Rehearsal and workshops, including rehearsal, development and performance space
• Regional, state and national touring productions, currently with limited suitable options in the Northern Rivers
• Community and cultural performances, including multicultural, Aboriginal, and intergenerational groups
• Schools, training providers and youth programs, supporting ceremonies, education, performance and creative skill development
• Festivals and cultural events, providing an indoor anchor venue to complement outside programming
• Industry, including speakers, business events, hospitality and tourism or regional award ceremonies
• Comedy, from national touring to local open mic-nights
• Film and television, from independent showings to curated film festivals
• Government or civic events, including presentations, ceremonies or performances
• Private hire

Project timeline

Project updates

April 2026

The final major concrete pour for the ground floor was completed on 14 April 2026, with 278 cubic metres poured.

November 2025

Work completed up to the end of November 2025 includes:

• Most of the block retaining walls are finished.
• Most of the waterproofing on these walls is also finished.
• The lift shaft has been poured up to the bottom of the Ground Floor slab.
• Most of the concrete columns have been built.
• Half of the Basement slabs (4 out of 8) have been poured.
• Most of the underground pipes have been installed.
• The structural steel is being made in the workshop.
• The post‑tensioned Ground Floor drawings are finished.
  
  

May 2025

Demolition is complete and relocation of existing services is well advanced to pave the way for the next stage of construction.

Once Council secures the Construction Certificate we will commence work on the basement carpark.

A Development Application (DA) modification is being prepared that includes:

• Refinements to the external finishes (driven by updates to the internal floorplans since the original DA).
• Design adjustments such as opening up the end of the river function room to introduce a balcony.
• Aesthetic changes are being proposed to help manage construction costs while maintaining the project's design intent.

PICTURED: Site at completion of demolition.

PICTURED: During demolition inside the Maclean Civic Hall – the curved metal ceiling was salvaged for re-use in the new facility.

Timelapse videos

December 2025 to April 2026

October to November

 

July to September

 

April to June

Council received $4.997 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF). This funding was used to develop the design, and complete demolition works, early service relocation works and the excavation for the new basement carpark. The remainder of the project has been funded by Council.

Location

48 River Street, Maclean 2463  View Map

-29.4585003,153.1967477

48 River Street , Maclean 2463

48 River Street , Maclean 2463

Maclean Community Precinct (Maclean Civic Hall)