ITALIAN FORUM CULTURAL CENTRE
LEICHHARDT, NSW
SECTOR
Community, Commercial
STATUS
Complete
COMPLETION YEAR
2011
ARCHITECT
Brewster Hjorth
Overview
The Italian Forum Cultural Centre is a vibrant multi-purpose venue delivered within a vacant shell in the heart of Leichhardt. Designed to serve both Sydney’s Italian community and the wider public, the project included a full cultural fit-out comprising a 320-seat auditorium, gallery spaces, function rooms, and hospitality areas. Built to high acoustic and architectural standards, the centre integrates complex services, AV infrastructure, and bespoke finishes to support exhibitions, performances, and community events—blending cultural identity with contemporary design.
Construction Features
320‑Seat Octagonal Auditorium
Constructed a flat-floor theatre with retractable seating, 300 m² sprung flooring, 6.9 m ceiling, central skylight, and acoustically insulated to Rw45 per AS/NZS 2107:2000 standards
Integrated Gallery & Function Spaces
Delivered flexible, daylight-filled gallery and function areas connected via foyer “origami” design elements, enabling a range of cultural events and community functions
Adaptive Reuse and Fit-Out
Transformed an existing shell, adding AV control rooms, green rooms, service rooms, kitchens, bars, and modern circulation spaces
Back‑of‑House & AV Infrastructure
Installed fully equipped back‑of‑house facilities: change rooms, offices, technical control areas, lighting, audio-visual systems, and bars to support professional performances