Northcote Theatre, Highnote

Highnote Northcote is the adaptation of a 1920s heritage theatre into a music and hospitality venue. The project works with the scale, structure and character of the original building, keeping the large internal volume and public presence of the theatre while introducing a new contemporary use. The conversion required substantial coordination of structure, services and compliance within the existing shell. New bar areas, circulation, lighting, acoustic treatment, back-of-house spaces, mechanical services and public amenities were integrated alongside heritage constraints and the technical demands of a live venue. The fit-out also involved a careful approach to material and atmosphere. Existing fabric was retained where possible, and new insertions were designed to support the building’s next life without flattening its history. The project keeps a 1920s theatre in active use, carrying its heritage forward through adaptation rather than preservation alone.

Client Northcote Theatre Sound Umut Custom sound system Photography Leo Showell Location Northcote, Victoria Country Wurundjeri Country, Australia Year 2024 Status Complete Type Music bar, live venue, adaptive reuse, fit-out