May 27, 2011

A HOME FOR AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY

Auckland Theatre Company is delighted Auckland Council’s Strategy and Finance Committee voted to approve $10 million towards the $40 million cost of Auckland Theatre Company’s proposal for a performing arts complex in Wynyard Quarter, to sit alongside ASB’s new head office, subject to a number of conditions being addressed to Council’s satisfaction by December 2011.

Councillors voted 16-5 to support the project.

“It’s a strong endorsement of the role of the arts and culture will play in the development of Auckland’s waterfront and in realising Mayor Len Brown’s vision of Auckland as the world’s most liveable city,” says Lester McGrath, Auckland Theatre Company’s General Manager.

The advocacy of the theatre company’s subscribers in support of the project proved vital to the success of the proposal; a number of councillors speaking prior to the vote mentioned the strong support the project had from their constituencies.

“That audiences for the theatre are so actively engaged with the project bodes well for its success,” says McGrath.

Auckland Theatre Company has investigated a range of options for securing a home venue over the last six years. The proposal for the Wynyard Quarter was by far the best in terms of ensuring the long term sustainability of the company and delivering a vision of enlivening the “after five” experience on Auckland’s waterfront – and a high quality performing arts experience for Aucklanders and visitors alike.

“We truly appreciate that Auckland Council and the Mayor have given the Company the opportunity to proceed with developing plans, fundraising and moving the project forward,” says McGrath.

Auckland Theatre Company will release the final design in the coming months.