Construction Underway for Auckland’s New Theatre Complex

12 December, 2014

Construction Underway for Auckland’s New Waterfront Theatre Complex

ASB Waterfront Theatre set to open in 2016

Construction of Auckland’s new state-of-the-art theatre complex – the ASB Waterfront Theatre – is about to commence. All agreements have been signed off by Auckland Council and construction will begin on the Auckland Theatre Company project in the coming weeks.

The 650-seat, international standard theatre is adjacent to the ASB North Wharf building, on the corner of Halsey and Madden streets in Wynyard Quarter - the site previously occupied by Moana Pacific Fisheries.

To mark the start of construction ASB has today announced its naming rights sponsorship of the building.

“ASB has a strong history of supporting the arts and we’re proud to be naming-rights sponsor of the new ASB Waterfront Theatre,” says ASB Chief Executive Barbara Chapman.

“This purpose-built facility will connect with and share auditorium space with ASB’s North Wharf headquarters, providing a fantastic new home for the Auckland Theatre Company. At the same time, Auckland’s newest and most advanced theatre facility will cement Wynyard Quarter’s development into a world-class entertainment hub.”

A mid-size venue for performing arts companies was identified by Auckland Council as the single highest priority need for the performing arts in Auckland.

Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland, says, “The ASB Waterfront Theatre will strengthen Auckland’s creative economy, further promote Auckland’s waterfront as a visitor destination, showcase our thriving performing arts scene and provide a space for us to welcome the very best international artists to the city.

“Auckland Council’s support kick-started the fundraising campaign for the project three years ago. We are so pleased that Auckland Theatre Company was able to raise the extra funds required to provide this fantastic venue to the Auckland community and our visitors. The ASB Waterfront Theatre is an example of how the public, private and philanthropic sectors can work together to achieve great things for Auckland.”

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

Auckland Theatre Company will be the anchor tenants of the theatre. Waterfront Theatre Limited, a limited liability company, will develop, own and maintain the building.

Hawkins Construction has been appointed as the contractor for the build. Construction of the theatre is predicted to take around 20 months to complete, meaning the doors will be open to the public by mid-2016.

Auckland Theatre Company Artistic Director, Colin McColl said, “We are absolutely delighted that this project is now a reality rather than a distant dream. We thank each and every one of our generous supporters and look forward to welcoming you all to the ASB Waterfront Theatre in 2016.”

Auckland Theatre Company is Auckland’s flagship professional theatre company. The ASB Waterfront Theatre will allow the Company to reach wider audiences and also provides a space for more domestic and international arts organisations to tour and showcase their work in New Zealand.

ENDS

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