Metro Arts Is Moving from the CBD to West End's West Village This Autumn

After four decades of shows, performances, exhibitions, films, workshops and other creative events, Metro Arts is closing its CBD doors — and re-opening at a new venue in West End's West Village.

The move was sparked by the sale of the multi-arts organisation's heritage-listed Edward Street home for more than $10.5 million in December. As well as funding the move, proceeds from the sale will be used to create the Metro Arts Future Fund, which will fund more arts projects and initiatives.

When it launches in West Village on Wednesday, April 1, art fans can expect sprawling new digs as part of West End's 2.6-hectare precinct. Metro Arts' new 680-square-metre home will have an underground theatre, two galleries, two rehearsal rooms and access to an outdoor event area. And, obviously, it'll benefit from moving from a 129-year-old building to a development that's barely a year old.

It's a huge move, so to mark the occasion — and say farewell to its home for the past four decades — Metro Arts is hosting a two-week festival called Metro Arts, With Love from Saturday, February 1–Saturday, February 15. The organisation will keep putting on shows in Edward Street right up until Tuesday, March 31, before opening its doors across the river the next day.

As for the old site itself, its new owners are "committed to restoring the Heritage-listed building to its former glory", according to Metro Arts' statement on the move. It'll be refurbished to feature both retail and office space, with all changes adhering to requirements of the State Heritage Register.

Metro Arts will continue to operate at its current home of 109 Edward Street, Brisbane, until Tuesday, March 31, moving to West Village, Boundary Street, West End from Wednesday, April 1. For further details, visit the Metro Arts website.

Images: Jason Blight of Blight Rayner.