Sarawak Performing Arts Centre to be completed by June 2027

Abdul Karim speaks to reporters during a site visit to Sarawak Performing Arts Centre on Feb 27, 2026. Also seen are Snowdan (right) and Cassidy (left).

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Feb 27: The proposed renovation and transformation of the old Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) building into the State’s first Performing Arts Centre is expected to be completed by June 2027.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the project is currently at 29 per cent completion and is progressing slightly ahead of schedule.

Two young engineers pose in front of the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre construction site on Feb 27, 2026.

“This is our first visit to inspect the renovation works, and Alhamdulillah, we have been informed by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the developer that the project is on schedule.

“In fact, it is not behind schedule but slightly ahead of time by about 1.8 per cent,” he said during a site visit to the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre construction project here today.

Abdul Karim added that the centre’s theatre hall will have a seating capacity of about 600 and will meet the standards expected of a modern performing arts venue.

“From what we have seen inside, the interior looks very impressive. When completed, it will be a beautiful performing arts centre.

“The project is expected to be completed by June 2027, just in time before the SEA Games,” he said.

With a total contract sum of RM247,717,411.39, the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre officially commenced construction on May 16, 2024, with a revised completion date set for June 5, 2027.

Inspired by London’s famed Royal Albert Hall and built to meet standards comparable to top venues in the United States, the centre will feature a wide range of facilities, including a two-level theatre hall, black box theatre, art gallery, multipurpose hall, dance studio, theatre studio, music recording studio, function hall, office spaces, a resource centre, and a walkthrough connecting to the Lapau Building.

Interior view of the theatre hall at the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre, which is currently under construction.

Outside, a grand boulevard will be enhanced with landscaped surroundings, while the Lapau Building will be renovated into a banquet venue for visitors.

The Lapau Building, which will be renovated as part of the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre project.

Project management and implementation fall under the PWD, with Performing Arts Centre Consortium Sdn Bhd serving as the main contractor.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan; PWD director Datu Cassidy Morris; and Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick. — DayakDaily