The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre (SPAC), which is being developed through the transformation of the former Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building in Petra Jaya, has reached 46 per cent completion and is progressing ahead of schedule.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the RM247 million project was 1.6 per cent ahead of schedule following a site inspection on October 2, 2026.
The project is expected to be completed in June 2027, potentially allowing the centre to host cultural performances during the 2027 SEA Games, scheduled for September.
According to Abdul Karim, the major construction works have largely been completed, with contractors now concentrating on interior design, finishing works and other details.
The latest progress represents an improvement from February 2026, when the project recorded 29.84 per cent physical completion, according to the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR).
Three components form the integrated development
The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre project involves more than the renovation of the former DUN building.
According to Abdul Karim, the development comprises three main components namely the main performing arts centre, housed in the former State Legislative Assembly building, the former Lapau building, which will be transformed into a restaurant and banquet venue and the former fountain area, which will be upgraded and integrated into the surrounding development.
The surrounding grounds will also be developed into a public recreational space known as Taman Rakyat, providing families with an area for leisure and community activities.
The integrated development is intended to combine performing arts, cultural activities, dining and public recreation within one location.
Modern facilities while preserving Sarawak’s history
Once completed, the centre is expected to feature a range of facilities designed to support professional performances, cultural programmes and creative industry activities.
These include:
- Two-level theatre hall with approximately 600 seats
- Black box theatre
- Art gallery
- Multipurpose hall
- Dance studio
- Theatre studio
- Music recording studio
- Function hall
- Resource centre
- Office spaces
- Walkthrough connecting to the former Lapau building
The project draws inspiration from London’s Royal Albert Hall, with its facilities intended to meet international performing arts venue standards.
One of the project’s key priorities is retaining the historical character of the former DUN building, which is more than 50 years old.
Abdul Karim said the distinctive golden glass mosaic roofing would be preserved rather than replaced with modern metal roofing.
The original interior wood panelling will also be retained as part of efforts to maintain the building’s architectural identity.
The building previously served as Sarawak’s legislative assembly before the state legislature relocated to its current complex along the Kuching waterfront in 2009.
According to Abdul Karim, a small gallery may also be established to document the building’s history, while a coffee-table book is planned following the project’s completion.
Once completed, the whole development may be renamed although ‘Sarawak Performing Arts Centre’ ‘ is currently used to refer to the project.
Preserving and repurposing Sarawak’s historical building
The transformation of the former DUN building represents an effort to give a historic government building a new purpose while retaining its architectural identity.
Besides the old DUN Building, the Sarawak government has been actively preserving and repurpusing old buildings.
Among notable projects includes the Old Court House which is now a restaurant and tourism complex, the Old Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building which is now a museum, Fort Margherita which is now a gallery, Brooke Dockyard which is now a museum and the up-coming old nurses quaters which will be turned into a patient-family transit accommodation.
Article Sources:
- DayakDaily: Sarawak Performing Arts Centre 46 pct complete, ahead of schedule for June 2027
- The Borneo Post: Sarawak Performing Arts Centre on track for June 2027 completion
- UKAS: Sarawak Performing Arts Centre Expected To Be Completed By June 2027, Ready To Enliven SEA Games
- Bernama: Sarawak Performing Arts Centre On Track For June 2027 Completion
