March 9, 2012

WATERFRONT THEATRE PROJECT – THE COMING OF AGE CAMPAIGN 

Auckland Theatre Company launched a public fundraising campaign for a new purpose built 600-seat drama theatre onAuckland’s waterfront in the Wynyard Quarter.

The company aims to raise $1million from private donations for the project, which would finally see a permanent home for Auckland Theatre Company and provide a dynamic cultural facility onAuckland’s waterfront opening in 2014.

Donations can be made online at www.waterfronttheatre.co.nz.

The facility will mark a coming of age for Auckland as an international waterfront city, offering residents and visitors a state-of-the-art cultural attraction to compliment the wide range of public spaces, restaurants and cafes, and mixed use business development being led by Waterfront Auckland.

The fundraising campaign coincides with Auckland Theatre Company’s 21st birthday.  After 20 years of operation the company has become a major force to be reckoned with in New Zealand’s creative industry, with strong audience support and a reputation for high standards of presentation.  Auckland Theatre Company also runs the largest education, literary and open access theatre participation programme in the country, which the company expects to grow with its shift to the waterfront.

The opportunity to build a world class home for theatre and dance on the waterfront has come about as a result of ASB’s decision to shift its head office into the adjoining site onHalsey Street.  The complex comprises a 600-seat drama theatre with the capacity to present spoken word theatre, dance and chamber opera; a studio theatre on the ASB Bank site; and an outdoor court yard which could be used for performances, cultural events and other activities in the space between the 660-seat theatre and ASB building.

The facility will boast a café, bar and lounge and a restaurant on the ground floor of the ASB building.  Ample car parking and in close proximity to Britomart, with future developments for public transport planned, make it an easily accessible location.

“Auckland’s aspiration to be the world’s most liveable city is terrific,” says Auckland Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Colin McColl. 

“It’s an interesting word liveable. Live and able.  Vibrant, energetic, living spaces, eclectic and accessible to all – not dead, empty buildings.” 

“A new venue for theatre and dance in the Wynyard Quarter (featuring three performances spaces) opens up exciting new possibilities for how the performing arts companies and the public can engage with each other. Liveable cities need live and able arts companies.” 

The cost of the project is $35 million and the Auckland Theatre Company has received pledges of $16.5 million, including a conditional budget allocation $10million from Auckland Council.  The pledges are conditional on further support for the project being secured to ensure their adequate financing for the construction.  Other sources of funding are being pursued and Auckland Theatre Company hopes to have the majority of funding in place when it reports back to Auckland Council on progress in May.