Alinea’s Australian partner Slattery also worked on scheme

The new home of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, which has been built by Lendlease, has opened its doors to staff and students.

Designed by Melbourne-based John Wardle Architects, the AUD$109m (£59m) Ian Potter Southbank Centre has been developed by the University of Melbourne.

The project is at the heart of the university’s AUD$200m (£109m) overhaul of its Southbank campus and is a major part of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.

Melbourne-based cost consultant Slattery, which has linked up with UK firm Alinea for work in the country, has also been working on the nine-storey, 9,400m2 scheme.

The Hanson Dyer Hall, which is the venue’s main performance space, accommodates up to 40 musicians on stage, has a choral balcony for up to 60 singers and audience seating for 400 people.

While staff and students have been using the facility since the end of last month, it will not have its official launch until 1 June.