Designs for a major transformation of Campbelltown Arts Centre are now open for public feedback, with the NSW Government unveiling an $84.4 million proposal to expand one of Western Sydney’s most significant cultural venues.
Set in the heart of Campbelltown and already drawing around 110,000 visitors each year, the centre will evolve into a larger, more contemporary precinct that better serves the region’s fast-growing population.
If approved, the upgrade would reposition the venue as a key cultural anchor for the Macarthur region—an area often cited as one of the fastest-growing in the country.
What’s planned for the precinct
At the core of the proposal is a substantial reworking of the existing site. Plans include a new 350-seat theatre, expanded gallery spaces and a reoriented entrance towards Queen Street to strengthen the connection between the arts centre and Campbelltown’s CBD.
Additional rehearsal rooms, workshop areas and artist studios are also on the table, alongside practical upgrades like improved storage for artworks and upgraded back-of-house facilities.
The vision extends beyond performance and exhibition spaces. A new café and restaurant, retail offerings, conference facilities and even on-site accommodation for visiting artists are all part of the new offerings—signalling a push to turn the precinct into an all-day destination over a single-purpose venue. The developers have also factored sustainability into the project by planning energy-efficient systems and solar integration.
Funding for the project is largely coming from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, which has committed $79 million, with Campbelltown City Council contributing a further $5.4 million.
A major upgrade for Western Sydney
The broader program—worth $2 billion—aims to improve liveability across Western Sydney through large-scale community and cultural projects. The company expects to begin construction in early 2027, subject to planning approval, and plans to open the expanded centre by mid-2029.
The project should support around 70 construction jobs and create a dozen ongoing roles once the centre opens.
NSW Arts Minister John Graham said the investment is about addressing long-standing disparities in access to cultural infrastructure across the city. “A creative in Campbelltown should have the same access to cultural infrastructure as someone living close to the harbour,” he said, adding that the expansion would both support local talent and attract touring productions to the area.
Planning Minister Paul Scully framed the project as part of a broader push to match infrastructure with population growth in southwest Sydney. “As we deliver more homes across Southwest Sydney, we also need to deliver the infrastructure, public spaces and cultural facilities that make communities great places to live,” he said.
Local leaders have also backed the proposal, with Campbelltown MP Greg Warren describing the arts centre as a long-standing community hub, while Mayor Darcy Lound pointed to its role in reflecting the area’s identity and diversity.
Community consultation is now open, with residents, artists and visitors invited to review the plans and provide feedback via the NSW Planning Portal until Wednesday 17th June 2026.
