Sarawak Performing Arts Centre ahead of schedule for June 2027 completion (Video)

KUCHING (Feb 27): The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre (SPAC) project has reached 29 per cent completion and is progressing slightly ahead of schedule, said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said this during his first site visit to the former State Legislative Assembly building, which is currently being renovated to house Sarawak’s first dedicated performing arts centre.

“At the moment, we have been informed by the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and the developer that the project is on time.

“In fact, it is slightly ahead of schedule by about one to two per cent,” he said.

Abdul Karim said the overall project cost stands at RM247 million, covering both the main building and the adjacent Lapau Building.

“The finished venue is expected to be visually impressive once completed.

“The centre will have a seating capacity of around 600 and is expected to function as Sarawak’s first dedicated performing arts venue,” he said.

He added that the SPAC is scheduled for completion by June 2027, just in time for the South East Asia (SEA) Games.

Under the project, the Theatre Hall will comprise 412 seats on the first floor (including 404 standard seats and eight VIP seats), 180 seats on the second floor, and eight royal seats, bringing the total seating capacity to 600.

In addition, the complex will include a multi-purpose hall with 754 seats, a black box theatre with 124 seats, as well as facilities such as a visual art gallery, dance studio and music studio.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, JKR Sarawak director Datu Dr Cassidy Morris, consultants, contractors and ministerial officers.