Werklund Centre Transformation Expansion Theatre Box Partner Package

Overview

Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Werklund Centre and The City of Calgary celebrate the start of construction on the Werklund Centre Transformation (WCT) Expansion’s theatre box, marking the project’s first phase of vertical construction and a pivotal step toward delivering a new, world-class performance venue in downtown Calgary.

Media Materials1

  • RELEASE_WCT Expansion Theatre Box_February 27 2026.pdf

    Media Release

Photography & Videography4

  • Photo-Osten-Victor theatre under construction-Courtesy of CMLC.jpg

    The Osten-Victor Playhouse, the 1,000-seat theatre under construction within the footprint of the Werklund Centre Transformation Expansion.

  • Photo-WCT Expansion foundations and theatre box-Courtesy of CMLC.jpg

    Basement foundations and theatre box construction underway for the WCT Expansion.

  • Photo-stage under construction-Courtesy of CMLC.jpg

    Crews at work on the stage foundation within the 1,000-seat theatre box located in the WCT Expansion.

  • Drone Video-Courtesy of CMLC.mp4

    Drone footage of the Werklund Centre Transformation Expansion under construction in the heart of downtown. This new building will house two new theatres that will accommodate events of various sizes.

Social Media Handles17

  • CMLC

  • Werklund Centre

  • The City of Calgary

  • EllisDon

Key Messaging6

  • 1

    Construction on the Werklund Centre Transformation (WCT) Expansion, the new 170,000 sq ft theatre facility has been steadily progressing since breaking ground in January 2025.

  • 2

    Construction activities to date have focused on critical preparatory work such as site excavation, building foundations, secant wall construction, and building foundations.

  • 3

    The start of theatre box construction marks a pivotal step toward delivering a new, world-class performance venue in downtown Calgary.

  • 4

    Two new theatres will be built in the 170,000 sq. ft. WCT Expansion – the 1,000-seat Osten-Victor Playhouse and a 200-seat studio theatre.

  • 5

    Theatre box construction uses specialized building techniques that limit noise and vibrations, ensuring optimal acoustic conditions while remaining independent from the rest of the building and protected from the bustle of downtown.

  • 6

    The two-phased Werklund Centre Transformation and the adjacent Olympic Plaza Transformation (OPT) are a vital component of The City of Calgary’s downtown revitalization strategy, supporting increased vibrancy, economic activity, and cultural investment in the city’s core. Together these projects will create a connected cultural campus that supports year-round programming and community gathering under Werklund Centre’s stewardship.

Frequently Asked Questions4

  • The WCT Expansion is the first phase of the Werklund Transformation – a new 170,000 sq. ft. theatre building that will house the 1,000-seat Osten-Victor Playhouse and a 200-seat studio theatre. The Expansion is currently under construction and expected to be complete in 2028.