$11 million Theatre Royal upgrade likely to be put to public
An up-to $11.2 million upgrade of the Theatre Royal would tackle a raft of issues that threaten the long-term viability of Timaru’s premier performing arts space, detail the district council is likely to send to public consultation shows.
Such an upgrade would improve the behind-the-scenes facilities as well as expand the front of house area onto neighbouring land in a move to further broaden the use of the theatre, the council’s draft consultation issues document suggests.
Leaving the theatre as it is remains an option, but doing so would affect what shows and events it can host and so reduce its attractiveness as a venue and cultural drawcard, the outline released by the council to Stuff says.
Options to upgrade the theatre are among the pitches prepared for the council’s 10-year spending plan.
Councillors last year deferred a pitch for a $7m back-of-house upgrade so it could be considered as part of the long-term plan process. Then, there were concerns the theatre was increasingly not fit for purpose as health and safety expectations intensified and user requirements outstripped the facility’s capabilities.
The council’s draft 2018/19 budget already includes $450,000 for a new flying system, curtains, battens and seats, and another $200,000 for building and flytower renewal work.
The council-prepared outline of key consultation issues, prepared ahead of public consultation on the long-term plan, says an upgrade would ensure the theatre is a viable, safe and usable facility. As it stood, the theatre was restricted in its ability to hold locally produced and travelling shows. The weight of stage sets and lighting, for example, had increased significantly since the facility was built.
One of three redevelopment options would address such capacity issues with a back of house upgrade that could have a capital cost of $8.7m.
Work was needed to provide the infrastructure required to safely host shows and meet health and safety regulations, the document says. This would include upgrading the stage house and the mechanisms that support stage props, otherwise known as the flying system.
The upgrade would also include the auditorium floor being replaced and new seats provided for patrons.
The back of house upgrade could start in the 2018/19 financial year and would take about three years from planning through to construction. The theatre would be closed during the 18-24 month construction period.
The second upgrade option - which council staff identify as the preferred option - would also enhance the theatre’s front of house in an upgrade that would add another $2.5m to the overall capital cost. The foyer would be redeveloped to benefit patrons and provide other facilities, such as meeting rooms, so a larger range of events could be hosted.
The floor area may be expanded by using land to the north of the theatre already owned by the council. That would allow for a reconfigured preparation and bar area, better toilet facilities and better access for disabled patrons.
It would also mean the creation of meeting rooms, shared with any future, adjacent heritage facility as part of what may become a downtown cultural hub.
The impact of simply maintaining the theatre at its current standard is also outlined in the draft discussion document. This would involve no additional cost but would mean less income: shows would either be unable to run at the theatre, or the type of shows able to use it would be restricted.
Leaving it as it was threatened to reduce the venue’s attractiveness as a venue and cultural drawcard, the outline says.
The preliminary draft longterm plan and budget for 2018/28 will be discussed by the district’s community boards this week ahead of council deliberations next month. Public consultation on the draft long-term plan begins in March.