Children’s museum pitch for Founders
Children could be building skyscrapers and damming the Waikato River in Hamilton’s old theatre if Bruce Cresswell has his way.
The grandfather of 14 is pushing for Founders Theatre to become a children’s museum, where kid-sized versions of the world create play opportunities.
The concept is popular through the United States and Cresswell thinks it could fit in the out-ofaction Founders building, along with a community hub.
‘‘Museum’s not a really good word [for this], either, but that’s how they’re recognised,’’ said Cresswell, who worked in business development for about three decades.
‘‘They don’t store relics and things, we provide real-life play experiences for young people.’’
The museum would cater for kids aged from 2 to 10, Cresswell said, and allow them to experience an adult world on their level.
Exhibits could include banking, postal services, television production and supermarkets - ’’all using pseudo products’’ - according to a proposal Cresswell has prepared.
The idea does have similarities to Exscite at Waikato Museum, he said, but he believes the two wouldn’t cannibalise each other’s business.
‘‘We provide reallife play experiences for young people.’’
Cresswell’s suggestion comes as Hamilton City Council considers what to do with Founders Theatre, which has been closed for safety reasons since March 2016.
Councillors have previously talked about three options: complete demolition, partial demolition and re-use, or reinstating for an alternative community use.
Recently, council put out a call for community groups interested in taking over Founders.
Before she heard about the museum idea, Community Waikato chief executive Holly Snape had asked council about turning backstage areas into community space.
The museum won’t need the backstage space, so the two plans could fit in Founders together.
Hamilton City Council is asking community groups interested in taking over Founders to submit a proposal before November 19.
People can have their say on the future of the theatre, and how the council funds the proposed Waikato Regional Theatre, from October 25 - November 26, 2017.