Council's $15m for theatre

Inside the St James Theatre. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Restoration of St James likely to cost $60m to $70m.

Auckland Council has agreed to pay $15 million towards the $60 million to $70 million cost of restoring the heritage St James Theatre in Queen St.

At a meeting of the council's finance and performance committee, councillors Ross Clow and Cathy Casey moved for that sum to be contributed from the built heritage acquisition fund.

But it did not go ahead without disagreement: councillors Cameron Brewer, Calum Penrose and Linda Cooper voted against pouring the money into the needy building.

Other pockets are also being opened for Auckland's biggest heritage building restoration. Money will go into the pot "alongside contributions from the owner, Crown, philanthropic organisations and other potential funders", the committee's minutes noted.

The theatre's old tower before it was removed.

The council has imposed riders on its $15 million: agreement must first be reached about the legal structure of the theatre's ownership and its control, operational management, quality assurance and risk management.

Steve Bielby, principal of Auckland Notable Properties, a partner in the restoration, indicated a statement might soon be issued about the plans for the building.

"The plan has always been to close the theatre in March."

He has already revealed how studies have shown the building could cost $60 million to $70 million to restore. Those are the estimates for a full restoration. Funding is yet to be secured but he is optimistic it can be organised.

Relianz Holdings bought the St James last year and is developing a large apartment tower alongside the theatre.

In September, Mr Bielby said: "The owner has some obligation. But there's going to need to be public funding for this. We're close to closing the gap between the owner's funding and the public. We've been talking to Auckland Council, the Government, trusts - everyone.

"There will need to be a contribution from a large number of parties."

Opened in 1928, the St James was one of Auckland's most popular cultural venues and has seen the likes of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh perform. It also played host to the 1981 Royal Variety Performance for the Queen.

St James Theatre

1928 Built and opened (as a replacement for Fuller's Opera House).
1929 Cinema projectors added. First film Gold Diggers
of Broadway screened on Boxing Day.
1953 Facade and vestibule renovated for the Queen's visit.
1957 Odeon Cinema, with 670 seats, added to theatre complex.
1966 Further modifications to Queen St facade. Westend Cinema added.
1982 Regent Theatre added.
2007 Closed due to fire damage.
2009 29-storey apartment building next to the theatre approved by Auckland Council.
2014 Purchased by Relianz Holdings, which plans to restore theatre and build apartments on the adjacent site.