Our History

In September of 2003, the City of Richmond Hill Council approved the site of the new Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts at the corner of Yonge and Wright Street, formerly the site of the old Town Hall, in the heart of the historic downtown.

Conveniently located in the downtown core, the new Centre is intended to be a theatre for the community, embracing the diversity of Richmond Hill and providing a world class cultural facility. Designed by internationally renowned architect Jack Diamond, the 30 million dollar construction project is the largest ever undertaken by the City of Richmond Hill. The result is a unique 35,000 sq. ft performance complex highlighted by a 631 seat main auditorium, a hydraulic orchestra pit and York Region’s highest fly tower.

Integrated into the Centre is the fully-restored Richmond Hill High School (circa 1897) which houses the Centre’s administrative offices and a commercial space (Covernotes Coffee House) - demonstrating the City’s commitment to honouring the past and embracing the future. The theme of community unity through artistic diversity encapsulates the mandate of the Centre and an ambitious season of professional programming and community groups have filled every available night.

The RHCPA offers a full season of professional entertainment, celebrating the many cultures of York Region. It is also home to Richmond Hill’s diverse arts community, creating a major venue in the downtown core to bring Canadian and International performers to the area.