Theatre group seeks $10m for waterfront event space

General manager of the Auckland Theatre Company Lester McGrath wants to build a new theatre near the viaduct. Photo / The Aucklander

A dynamic destination, igniting Auckland's "after five" economy with 120,000 visitors a year, is promised by promoters of a building for theatre and dance on the waterfront.

Auckland Theatre Company is seeking a $10 million ratepayers' contribution towards the proposed building beside the new ASB head office, which is under construction in the Wynyard Quarter.

General manager Lester McGrath told the council's arts, culture & events forum that a $41 million facility of international quality would be shared with performing arts groups and available for community celebrations, outdoor performances and education.

It could have three performance spaces.

A 600-seat drama theatre could be arranged to open out to a courtyard for shows. A further space was offered by the ASB incorporating the theatre in its site with a 200-seat studio it was building and paying for. The bank was also offering its foyer as the theatre's ground floor entrance.

Mr McGrath said the bank's contribution was worth $6 million.

The company was also asking the council for a ground lease of the site at a peppercorn rental. About $35 million had to be raised from donations and public sources.

Although the company would hold shows there for 30 weeks a year, the building would be run by an asset-owning charitable trust, representing company, community and bank. The rest of the year, the facility would be open to other arts organisations.

The ASB building held its ground-breaking ceremony last week and has a finish target of July 2013.

ASB chief community partnerships officer Linley Wood said the bank was enthusiastic by the benefits to the community of a partnership with Auckland Theatre Company. It was particularly keen on programmes for bringing theatre performances to students from low decile schools.

The forum noted that the company's proposal was part of a study into the needs and priorities for future performing arts venues in the region.

Expected in April, the report will also include the potential role of St James Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna and TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau.