Theatre troupe braces for loss

An application to demolish Porirua Little Theatre has been lodged by the building’s owner, Porirua City Council.

A notice in today’s Kapi-Mana News invites public submissions to be lodged by May 2 regarding resource consent approval to knock down the Whitehouse Rd building.

The public get to have a say because the building has a heritage listing under the city’s district plan. After submissions have been collected, there will be a hearing to decide the building’s fate.

The 3421 square metre building was built by US Marines in WWII, but for decades has been home to the Bay’s theatre troupe. In August it was closed after extensive structural and water damage was discovered.

Two engineering firms and two quality surveying firms were consulted by the council before it decided to push for demolition, chief executive Gary Simpson says.

The cost to repair the theatre ranged from $ 700,000 to $820,000, and the cost to demolish and rebuild was between $ 912,000 and $ 1.03 million. Prices are exclusive of GST.

Both options were too expensive for the council, Mr Simpson says. Rebuilding could happen in the future but for now the land would revert to grass after demolition.

‘‘When we saw the costs, the decision made itself,’’ Mr Simpson says.

The theatre troupe accepted the repair quotes given to the council, but still regret the need for demolition, he says.

‘‘They’re still not happy with the outcome but I don’t think they faulted the process. [The firms’ reports] are very, very detailed and they’re very credible.’’

Theatre president Sandy Brewer says the troupe knew this decision was coming, but are still struggling to come to terms with it.

‘‘There’s an attachment to the site for people.

‘‘People have been brought up around that building, have had engagements and 21sts there, there was even a proposal on stage at one point,’’ she says.

Whether the troupe’s submission will support or oppose the council’s intention will be decided at an upcoming AGM, Ms Brewer says.

She suspects demolition will go ahead despite any opposition, however.

‘‘People have the chance to make a submission.

‘‘Whether it changes the end result will be moot, probably.’’

Submissions must be made on Porirua City Council’s Form 13.