By Terry Walsh 

Construction has started on a new building at USC Sunshine Coast that is set to inspire the study of creative industries and enliven the campus as a venue for regular performances by musicians and actors.

On track to open in March 2020, the new building will have an internal performance area for an audience of 80 and a stage for larger crowds that opens out to a lawn and the USC Art Gallery piazza.

It will feature professional-quality recording and video studios, a black box theatre production space, and Queensland’s first MIT Fab Lab Maker Space.

Head of School of Creative Industries Professor Phil Graham, who is also a professional musician, said the new building would become the creative heart of the University and for creative industries across the Sunshine Coast.

“It will be a centre for engagement for the University with members of the broader creative industries across the region. It will provide a professional production facility for not only our students, but also the wider community,” he said.

“There will be many uses for this building beyond teaching, including hosting creative festivals and collaborations involving our students, staff, and national industry experts that connect the talent of the Coast with the global creative industries.”

The new building is designed by Wilson Architects and is being built by BADGE Constructions.