By Charlotte Gore

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Detailed designs for Canberra’s new lyric theatre — which will host major musicals, ballets and operas — have been released.

The design includes seating for up to 2,000 people and a modern orchestra pit that can adjust for different performance sizes.

The building, which is inspired by Canberra’s natural landmarks, also features accessible seating on every level, equitable building access and more bathrooms than required, including all-gender facilities.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the lyric theatre will deliver the “scale and sophistication” needed to attract major productions.

“This will be a significant venue for Canberra — providing a theatre that enables world-class performances to be held in our city,” Mr Barr said.

“The design reflects our landscape and celebrates First Nations’ culture with its use of natural forms and textures,” Mr Barr said.

“Importantly, the detailed design also responds to the needs of the people who will watch performances, the performers who will take the stage, and the staff who will work in the venue, which has been guided by extensive community consultation throughout the planning and design process.”

The detailed designs have been released as part of the main Works Approval application for the project, which has been lodged with the National Capital Authority.

The theatre is set to be built in the area north-west of the current Canberra Theatre Centre bordering Northbourne Avenue and Vernon Circle.

The site is in the existing Theatre Lane car park which will close from next month to allow early works to begin, with main construction expected to start early next year.