The Roundhouse at UNSW

ABOUT The Roundhouse at UNSW

• Location
  Sydney
• Designer / Architect
  Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
• Completion
  2017
• Photographer
  Photography courtesy of Multiplex

Multiplex led the $24 million upgrade of the iconic Roundhouse Entertainment Venue at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney).

The Roundhouse is prominently situated on the lower part of the UNSW Kensington campus, adjacent to Anzac Parade, between High Street and University Mall. The redevelopment was focused on improving the building’s functionality, to create an enhanced social environment.

Multiplex worked closely with Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects to prepare designs for the redevelopment of the Roundhouse. After years of ad-hoc additions, the building’s redevelopment that was completed in 2017 has been developed with the next 50 years in mind. Maxton Fox was engaged as the leading Joinery Partner for this highly technical project.

Originally constructed in 1961, the Roundhouse was designed by the Government Architect and Edwards, Madigan, Torzillo, Briggs Architects who later built the National Gallery and High Court in Canberra. It was considered a cutting-edge architectural statement as Sydney’s first-ever circular building and one of the only buildings solely dedicated to student recreation on a campus in New South Wales.

The Roundhouse is now a key part of daily campus life at UNSW and has hosted a diverse range of events over the last 56 years. It continues to be a key venue for concerts, events, conferences, seminars, box office, merchandise and food services. In addition, the building will also provide a permanent University bar and beer garden with a secondary bar area. With a capacity for 2,200 patrons, the Roundhouse remains one of the few venues in Sydney suitable for international live music performances.