Banks starts work on theatre

Construction of the new Q Theatre in Auckland City has officially started.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks yesterday turned the first sod for the building phase of the $21 million project.

The new theatre, behind the Auckland Town Hall and neighbouring Aotea Square, is to be a centre for the performing arts - theatre productions, concerts, musicals and more.

Mr Banks yesterday spoke about the significance of the location of the theatre, saying it would be in an already lively hub of entertainment in the heart of the city.

"This project has been more than 10 years in the making. It is really very rewarding to see it come to fruition," the mayor said.

"The new theatre will complement the other facilities in the area that contribute so much to enlivening the cultural life of our wonderful city."

The contract for the job was won by construction company Naylor Love, and work on the facility is expected to take around two years.

The theatre is due to open by the end of 2011.

Construction work began yesterday after the sod-turning ceremony.

Q Theatre general manager Susanne Ritzenhoff said the facility would be an exciting destination for Auckland and visitors from outside the city.

"The arts community can't wait to stage its first productions in Q Theatre," she said.

"It will create a much awaited space where creative minds can come together and spark off one another."