December 12, 2009

CONSTRUCTION OF AUCKLAND’S Q THEATRE BEGINS
[10 December 2009]

After more than a decade of work, Q Theatre management and supporters gathered today for the official ceremony to mark the start of construction on this new home for the performing arts.

His Worship the Mayor, Hon. John Banks, broke the ground and officially launched the building phase at a ceremony, which took place at the back of 305 Queen Street where the main auditorium will stand once the theatre is complete.

It is planned that Q Theatre will create a home for the performing arts in Auckland by providing access to a variety of production companies and attracting a wide range of audiences. It will bring together people who love theatre, dance, musicals, comedy, cabaret, opera, concerts and much more.

"This project has been more than 10 years in the making," said Mr Banks. "It is really very rewarding to see it come to fruition. The new theatre will complement the other facilities in the area that contribute so much to enlivening the cultural life of our wonderful city."

The Mayor spoke about the significance of the theatre’s particular location above the Horotiu valley and stream, beside the Auckland Town Hall, and metres from the new Aotea Square. Auckland City Council is the foundation partner of Q Theatre and has committed the land and buildings to the project, as well as a capital contribution of $9.6million and ongoing operational support.

Standing alongside Mr. Banks was Jennifer Gill, CEO of ASB Community Trust, a major supporter of the project. "ASB Community Trust supports projects that foster access, engagement and experience in the arts and cultural opportunities for all of our region’s citizens. This new modern facility will be a creative hub which will fill a long-term gap in Auckland’s arts infrastructure, enhancing opportunities to experience national and international performing arts," said Ms Gill.

Q Theatre is one of ASB Community Trust’s largest funded projects, and in November 2008, the Lottery Grants Board became Q Theatre’s third major funder, through the Significant Projects Fund. The fund is committed to developing and preserving New Zealand’s unique culture and national identity through community participation. In particular, it contributes to the completion of large-scale projects of benefit to the community, and Q Theatre is a fine example of such an enterprise.

Several well-known Auckland performers, including Bruce Hopkins, Peter Elliott and Jennifer Ward-Lealand, were present at the ceremony, and Susanne Ritzenhoff General Manager of Q Theatre commented on the progress, "The arts community can’t wait to stage its first productions in Q Theatre. Q will create a much awaited space where creative minds can come together and spark off one another. It will be a facility that is an exciting destination for Aucklanders and its visitors, bringing more life and energy to Queen Street, and substantially enhancing the city’s cultural landscape. Today we mark a truly significant milestone for this project."

At the ceremony it was also announced that Naylor Love is the contracted construction company.

"Naylor Love will begin work on site today and from here on in the project will gain momentum at a dramatic rate. We are budgeting on a two year construction time horizon and so there is much exciting work ahead of us as we pull together the business and the community that will make Q a success from the day the doors open," commented Andrew Caisley, Chairman of Q Theatre.