20 July 2016
St James Theatre restoration gets council boost
Mayor Len Brown is thrilled that the restoration of Queen Street’s St James Theatre in Auckland can continue moving
forward with an approved council financial contribution.
Auckland Council’s Finance and Performance committee this afternoon agreed toprovide a secured suspensory loan to the
owner of up to $15 million from funds already budgeted for restoration works.
This follows the purchase of the old theatre and the surrounding land by Li family interests late 2014. The new owners
announced through Relianz Holdings and Steve Bielby of the Auckland Notable Properties Trust, that the theatre would be
retained and restored and that a multi-story apartment block and commercial activities would be developed on the rest of
the land.
Queen Street’s St James Theatre is one of the last two iconic early 20th Century theatres in Auckland and is scheduled
as a Category A heritage building in the legacy plan and Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP).
Mayor Len Brown says this was the number one heritage priority that Aucklanders wanted to see happen.
“Aucklanders are united in wanting to preserve the historic theatre so that generations in future can continue to enjoy
it.
“It’s appreciated that the Li family have already paid a significant amount for the purchase of the theatre but more is
needed to bring it back to the necessary standard. I’m hoping the government will also come to the party.”
The council sees continued public access to the theatre for the enjoyment of its historic character as a fundamental
condition of its grant.
It is estimated that $66.6 million will be needed for the total restoration.
The owners proposed this to be in two stages. Stage one involves structural upgrades, including earthquake
strengthening, and envelope upgrades, and essential services reinstatement/replacement including electrical, water and
fire protection.
The estimated cost of this phase of the work is $41.3 million. This includes $12.4 million for works which are required
to comply with resource consent conditions and are therefore at the developer’s sole cost. This leaves a balance of $29
million and the ccouncil’s financial contribution would be applied to this phase of work.
Stage two would be the reinstatement of the finishes, fittings and remaining services, such as air-conditioning and
backstage equipment and the restoration of the dress and upper circle at an estimated cost of $25.4 million.
At the completion of the stage one works, the ground floor space would have limited operational use, being capable of
holding concerts, events and performances there. It is hoped that stage two of the restoration could be considered
whenever other funding becomes available.
Steve Bielby, Principal Trustee, Auckland Notable Properties Trust says he is thrilled the council has made a further
directive and confirmed its commitment to seeing the St James restored.
“This commitment will go a long way in helping get the St James back to its former glory and I look forward to working
alongside council over the coming weeks to finalise the arrangements of stage one of the restoration works.
“I would like to thank the Mayor for his always optimistic support and also to the councillors who have supported the
project and assisted us in making it this far.”
Built in 1928, the St James was originally designed for vaudeville acts. Its architect Henry Eli White also designed the
St James Theatre in Wellington. It closed in 2007 because of safety concerns. After the theatre and adjacent land was
purchased in 2014, several performance events have been held while restoration continues.
ENDS