An official opening and ceremonial handover to the people Auckland of the restored Civic Theatre will be held early next year upon final completion of the project.

Auckland City Council last night voted $30,000 for the official opening to mark the occasion and completion of the two-year restoration project. A working party of Councillors has been formed to plan the event.

Chris Fletcher, Mayor of Auckland City says the Civic is the city’s most distinguished building, which is due an appropriate opening following its magnificent restoration. “The Civic Theatre is our most famous heritage building, and a very special part of Auckland’s history. The opening should reflect it’s unique character and acknowledge the wonderful work that has gone into its revival.”

Two Open Days will be held on Sunday 19th and Monday 20th December, providing the public with their first opportunity of experiencing the magic of the Civic since it was closed over two years ago. The Open Days mark the theatres 70th Anniversary since it was opened on 20 December 1929 billed as the ‘Palace of Dreams’.

Chris Fletcher says there is huge interest in the Civics restoration and the public Open Days. “Aucklanders will again fall in love with the restored grandeur and enchantment that has been achieved,” she said.

Council previously budgeted $50,000 for the Open Days and last night approved an additional $15,000 to meet the costs of opening the theatre and conducting tours with entertainment over the two days.

The Open Days hours are 12 noon until 6pm on Sunday 19 December, and 10am to 5pm on Monday 20th December, with 45-minute tours leaving every five minutes. Shorter tours of 20 minutes will also be conducted.

Ongoing tours of the Civic will be conducted early next year, for which Council also approved an extra $6,000.

Ends.

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