Queensland Performing Arts Centre project halted after worker receives static shock

Australia Broadcast Center

28-05-2025

Work has paused indefinitely on the Queensland Performing Arts Centre Theatre in Brisbane after a worker got a static shock.
Construction company Lendlease said the worker was taken to hospital, where they were found to be unharmed and cleared to go back to normal duties.
"An independent inspection also found no fault with the equipment involved," a spokesperson said.
"The safety and wellbeing of our workforce remains our highest priority."
ABC Radio Brisbane understands that the worker was shocked while cleaning dust on the construction site.
Work was paused while safety assessments were carried out.
Lendlease has not said when construction will restart, or whether it would cover labour costs for the pause.
The new theatre was supposed to be finished by 2022, but has been beset with delays and budget blowouts.
In July 2024 one of the wavy windows was cracked by a knuckle boom, had to be re-manufactured overseas and was replaced this month.
An Arts Queensland spokesperson said Lendlease would cover those costs.
"The glass remained structurally sound and has now been replaced, with the cost covered by Lendlease as part of the existing contract," the department spokesperson said.
"The damage did not impact the overall construction program."
The project has blown its original $150 million budget by $34 million and is now due to open to the public in early 2026.
When it opens, the 1,500-seat theatre will be Australia's largest performing arts centre under one roof.
Arts Queensland is due to announce the name of the new theatre by July this year.