Fate of St James and gift sculpture on agenda

The old St James Theatre building. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Two cultural projects in downtown Auckland - the fate of the St James Theatre and a $1 million-plus sculpture on Queens Wharf - will be discussed by Auckland councillors today.

The St James Theatre is the subject of a confidential report at the regional strategy and policy committee.

The proposed state house sculpture by artist Michael Parekowhai is on the arts, culture and events committee agenda. Officers want to refer the issue to a confidential workshop before preparing a final report in June.

Councillors are expected to receive an update on progress with the St James, which Mayor Len Brown has been working behind the scenes to save and restore.

Yesterday, the owner of the historic venue, Paul Doole, said he last spoke with Mr Brown about a year ago regarding the council buying the theatre, and subsequently talked with council staff.

"It's really gone nowhere, to be honest," said Mr Doole, who is asking the rateable value of $11 million for the 1928 theatre and keen to see it restored at an estimated figure of $50 million to $65 million in a council study.

The St James is on a separate title from the adjoining Odeon and Westend Theatres, which Mr Doole also owns and which form the site for a planned 39-storey apartment tower where construction could start this year.

SPCA director Bob Kerridge, who formed the St James Charitable Trust to seek donations for restoration should the council buy the St James, said it was frustrating that talks between the council and Mr Doole were taking so long. "This is a very important city asset, which the council should take charge of," Mr Kerridge said.

Aucklanders can expect to be kept in the dark until the final report in June about the cost and images of the planned sculpture on Queens Wharf, according to a brief report today on what began as a $1 million gift to the city by the real estate firm Barfoot & Thompson.

Since the gift last year to mark 90 years in business, the sculpture, modelled on a two-storey state house with an oversized Venetian glass chandelier, has risen in cost, with former council chief executive Doug McKay agreeing to a ratepayer underwrite of up to $500,000.

The process and cost have come under fire from Art News New Zealand magazine.

Waterfront Auckland refused to say if the sculpture will be part of a draft masterplan for Queens Wharf.

Council community development, arts and culture manager Louise Mason said councillors had not consulted Aucklanders on the gift.

Questions over projects

St James Theatre

• Councillors being briefed on progress today.

• Owner says council purchase has "gone nowhere".

• St James Charitable Trust frustrated at lack of progress.

Queens Wharf sculpture
• Officers planning confidential workshop.
• Costings and details being kept from public until June.
• Waterfront Auckland won't say if sculpture will be part of draft masterplan for Queens Wharf.