MPs agree: St James is a jewel that needs saving

Council candidates and music show promoters are making pleas for the historic theatre to be restored to its former glory. Photo / Salmond Reed Collection

Auckland MPs are unanimous about the future of the St James Theatre - it's too special to lose.

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye said the building was a jewel among the few remaining historic theatres.

"The issue is how we deliver that restoration and the time frames for that restoration.

"I believe there is a real opportunity under the new Auckland Council to finally develop an effective heritage plan for the whole region, which should include the St James and probably also the Mercury Theatre."

The National MP said it was difficult to estimate how much restoration would cost.

Funds could be sought from central and local government, and charitable sources.

"The benefit of the new Auckland Council is that we will have a new spatial plan that will enable central and local government to come together and agree on funding priorities for the city's heritage," Ms Kaye said.

The theatre is included in The Edge's bid to the Government as part of a proposed national convention centre.

It was once one of Auckland's premier venues but is now sliding into decay.

Auckland City Council's The Edge is one of five contenders for the proposed centre, which could cost between $200 million and $500 million.

Regardless of the success of the bid, the Herald is campaigning to save the St James, which has been closed since a 2007 fire and carries a category one listing from the Historic Places Trust.

Labour list MP Jacinda Ardern also backed the campaign.

"It's not simply a heritage reason, although that's certainly important.

"There are strong economic and cultural reasons why it would be filling a gap in Auckland if it was restored," she said.

Ms Ardern said it was important the theatre was restored, regardless of whether The Edge tender succeeded.

"I think to date we've seen that the St James in the hands of a private developer is not in the best interests of the building."

However, she was also concerned about why the building was allowed to deteriorate.

"The fact St James has historic status but was still able to fall into disrepair shows we need to make that status meaningful.

"It's not the only building that it's happened to in Auckland."

Labour arts, culture and heritage spokeswoman Steve Chadwick said the St James was a "fantastic building" that should remain part of the city's cultural scene.

"I think it's a higher principle about heritage.

"It would be great if the new city fathers and mothers say this building is worthy of restoration."

Discussion around the future of the building should not be an election issue, she said.

"It [the election] should be held and then people get together to find the best long term purpose for the building."

She said how the building was saved would be a process worked through by the Historic Places Trust and the council.

But it was important the decision was made by working with the community, Ms Chadwick said.