Waikato’s new theatre unveiled
Waikato people can now get their first look at the new theatre.
The proposed multimilliondollar facility would be in Hamilton’s main street overlooking the river and could also house an art gallery and a boutique hotel.
However, the cost of the gallery and hotel isn’t in the estimated $73 million pricetag, as the vision is for them to be privately developed.
The Waikato has been without a key performing arts venue since Founders Theatre shut in March 2016.
Philanthropic organisation Momentum Waikato stepped up to work on a new theatre and, through the Waikato Regional Theatre governance panel, hired specialists from international theatre design consultancy Charcoalblue.
Charcoalblue’s vision was revealed at a Hamilton City Council meeting, and councillors unanimously backed more investigation of the concept.
If the funding is confirmed later in 2017, the theatre could open in July 2021, Momentum Waikato chairman Leonard Gardner said.
A ‘‘distinctive and dramatic’’ screen wrapped around the building would be a stand-out feature and look like a fine river mist, Charcoalblue’s design report said.
Two towers would poke out of the top of the building. There would be entrances from Embassy Plaza or a proposed plaza on Sapper Moore-Jones Place.
The main theatre would have a maximum seating capacity of about 1100, be flexible to suit various genres and cater for different crowd sizes without feeling empty, councillors heard.
Less formal performances areas would be in the foyer - which overlooks the river - and the courtyard.
The hotel part of the plan is somewhere between a possibility and a probability, Gardner said.
It would incorporate the Hamilton Hotel facade, use some parts of the former hotel, and could help the project be transformational for the city, Gardner said.
People could come for a weekend trip and stay in the hotel, enjoy Hamilton hospitality, take a ferry to Hamilton Gardens and see a show.
The theatre is expected to cost $72.9m - around $12m of that is contingency funding.
Costs would be shared between local councils, donors and central government.