Building Contractor Appointed for New Waterfront Theatre

Auckland Theatre Company media release
21 May, 2014

Building Contractor Appointed for New Waterfront Theatre Project

Auckland Theatre Company (ATC) is delighted to announce Hawkins Construction has been appointed to build the new waterfront theatre project in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter.

Auckland Theatre Company has raised sufficient funding for construction to commence and is now finalising agreements and other arrangements before Auckland Council gives the green light for the project to start.

The state-of-the-art centre for performing arts will become ATC's resident venue. The complex will comprise a 600-seat theatre designed specifically for drama and dance, a café and bar, gallery space and shared courtyard. ASB Bank will also provide access to the 200 seat auditorium which the Bank has included in the ASB Head Office.

Auckland Theatre Company's General Manager Lester McGrath says, "We've received huge support from both private and public benefactors for the project, including $10m from the Auckland Council which kick started the fundraising campaign three years ago. We're thrilled that this dream is now becoming a reality and very much look forward to giving Auckland an international-standard theatre and arts complex."

A mid-sized venue for performing arts companies was identified by Auckland Council as the single highest priority need for performing arts in Auckland. This initiative strengthens Auckland's creative economy, further promotes Auckland's waterfront as a visitor destination and showcases the region's significant and vast performing arts industry.

ATC is Auckland's flagship professional theatre company. The waterfront theatre project allows ATC to reach wider audiences and also provides a space for more domestic and international arts organisations to tour and showcase their work in Auckland.

Other major contributors to the project include Creative New Zealand, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, ASB, ASB Community Trust, AUT University, Infinity Foundation and the Lion Foundation.

Ends

© Scoop Media