Council to debate city arts precinct in secret

City councillors will debate the future of a major central Christchurch regeneration project behind closed doors.

A $45-million proposal for a new Court Theatre is vying with a proposed $19m theatre complex to be the first built in the performing arts precinct, which is being developed by the Christchurch City Council on a site bound by Armagh, New Regent, Gloucester and Colombo streets. The council’s $30m budget for the project means there is not enough money to build both theatres at once.

The council agenda for Thursday’s meeting hints at possible additional funding for the project.

It states the report outlining options for the precinct will be released in a redacted form on June 30, ‘‘when confirmation of further Crown funding is received (or not) and in conjunction with the Crown and the development partner, if known’’.

The reason for the item being debated in secret is because ‘‘performing arts precinct organisations have provided information Theatre producer Michael Bell of a commercially sensitive nature which they expect to remain confidential’’, the agenda states.

Theatre producer Michael Bell, who has developed a proposal for a $19m theatre for the precinct, said he was ‘‘excited’’ a decision could be made on the long delayed project.

‘‘It will be great for Christchurch to get on with building the performing arts precinct,’’ he said.

‘‘It would be great for the debate to be in the public forum but I respect that they have chosen to debate this privately. I would have preferred it to be public.’’

The council last year appointed former National Library executive Sue Sutherland to evaluate all options for the project. She completed a report in December, with an outline of her findings presented to councillors in February.

A report commissioned by the council and leaked earlier this year revealed a new Court Theatre would cost $45m and the second multi-purpose theatre about $19m.

Bell wants his $19m, 400-seat Andromeda theatre built first, while Court chief executive Philip Aldridge wants the same for his new $45m theatre.