THE $2.1 million redeveloped Frankston Arts Centre forecourt was officially opened last week.
The forecourt now features upgraded pathways and ramps, separate areas for cars and pedestrians with marked drop-off and pick-up zones, enhanced lighting, additional seating, a new water feature, and larger street-facing signage.
Alongside the new forecourt, the mezzanine gallery of the dress circle was also renamed the “Gale Dudeck Lounge” last month. Gail Dudeck was among the leading voices in the campaign to build the Frankston Arts Centre – her granddaughter Amy Dudeck said “seeing the forecourt transformed alongside the dedication of the Gail Dudeck Lounge is deeply meaningful to our family.”
“My grandmother believed the Arts Centre should be a place where everyone feels welcome, and this upgrade truly reflects that vision, creating a space that is accessible, vibrant, and connected to the community she loved,” she said.
The $2.1 million project was funded by Frankston Council ratepayers. Council awarded the contract for construction earlier this year. (“Cash for Arts Centre forecourt” The Times, 4/2/2025)
Frankston councillor David Asker said the popularity of the arts hub made the project worthwhile. “The Arts Centre is one of Frankston City’s biggest drawcards, attracting on average 160,000 visitors each year. Almost half of these come from outside the municipality, playing a vital role in our local economy by supporting nearby cafes, restaurants, and shopping centres,” he said.
“This redevelopment cements the Arts Centre’s position as not just an arts and culture institution, but a key player in the vitality of the broader Frankston community. It’s more than just an upgrade, it’s a celebration of Frankston’s commitment to art, accessibility, and the arts-loving community who make it all happen.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 9 December 2025