KUCHING: The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre is on track to be completed by June 2027, with work progressing slightly ahead of schedule.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project is currently at 29% completion.
"This is our first visit to inspect the progress of the renovation works. Alhamdulillah, we were informed by the Public Works Department and contractor that they are on time.
"At this stage, they are actually ahead by about 1% or 2%," he told reporters during a site visit on Friday (Feb 27).
The centre is taking shape at the old state legislative assembly building in Petra Jaya here, which is being renovated into a state-of-the-art performance venue.
Abdul Karim said the centre's main theatre hall will have a capacity of 600 people.
"Once completed, it's going to look beautiful and fulfil our expectations for a modern performing arts centre," he said.
Work on the RM247mil project commenced on May 16, 2024 and is scheduled for completion on June 5, 2027, with Performing Arts Centre Consortium Sdn Bhd as the main contractor.
Inspired by London's Royal Albert Hall, the centre will have a two-level theatre hall, multipurpose hall, blackbox theatre, visual art gallery and dance and music studios.
Outside, the adjacent Lapau building will be refurbished as a banquet venue.
