Pitched cultural upgrades‘vital’’
Timaru could host to more touring shows and concerts if an upgrade to the Theatre Royal goes ahead, the region’s drama league president says.
Proposals pitched for the up-to $11.2 million upgrade of the theatre, and a new up-to $12 million multipurpose heritage facility connected to it, have been released by the Timaru District Council for its 10-year spending plan. They will be presented to the public for consultation in coming weeks.
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.
The upgrade proposal was exciting news, South Canterbury Drama League president Chris Thomas said.
‘‘I’m very encouraged by what I’ve read so far. It’s very, very exciting,’’ Thomas said.
‘‘It’s a little thin on details at the moment but it’s a good starting point.’’
The proposed upgrade and possible heritage facility would mean ‘‘new and exciting things’’ for the region’s arts community.
‘‘‘The facilities at the moment are not up to standard.
‘‘For travelling shows it’s just too hard and too long to set up for a show there. They would much rather go somewhere else.’’
Travelling ballet, concerts and other shows would be more likely to be staged in Timaru if the proposed upgrade went ahead.
‘‘It will add some economic benefits to Timaru too, not just straight out cultural benefits,’’ he said.
More shows would be likely to want to stop in Timaru and out of town visitors, who would spend money here, he said.
‘‘It’s all great news and while it’s a lot of money, I appreciate that, it will be a fantastic community facility and will attract people to the area.
‘‘It will also absolutely revitalise that area of Timaru which has been a bit flat and looking for a new lease on life for a long time.’’
Last July, then-council byelection candidate Murray Cleverley said a community group should be established to help bankroll an upgrade but that funding a whole arts precinct may be too ambitious.
On Monday, Cleverley said he would still be part of fundraising for the upgrade but more detail would be needed to find out what would be required.
The proposed heritage facility would become the Suoth Canterbury Museum’s exhibition space but additional space would be available for the council-funded Aigantighe Art Gallery and touring exhibitions, a draft issues document, prepared as part of the council’s long-term plan process, says.
The South Canterbury Historical Society administers the Friends of the South Canterbury Museum group. President Ray Bennett said the museum was limited by space. A feasibility study in late 2014 found the 1435 square metre site was unfit for purpose as a future museum.
It lacked adequate work areas and its storage areas were packed; its exhibition space was less than ideal and there was insufficient space to display touring exhibitions; it had fluctuating humidity and temperature, and its physical access was challenging.
‘‘We are following closely with what will happen and will be mak- ing submissions,’’ Bennett said.
The idea of a cultural hub made sense, Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery president Roselyn Fauth said.
‘‘The type of people who visit the art gallery, also often visit the museum as well,’’ she said.
‘‘It makes sense for them work in together.’’ to