Worldwide Sports Management
Principal Consultant Simon Weatherill has spent the last 20 years developing the world renowned Melbourne Sports Hub, as former Chief Executive Officer of the State Sports Centres Trust…
read moreTimaru District Council's plans to regenerate its Theatre Royal has moved forward with the announcement today that Architectus has been appointed as lead architect for the redevelopment of the venue and the creation of the new Heritage Facility, with theatre and acoustics specialists Marshall Day and heritage specialists Dave Pearson Architects forming part of the team.
The $24 million project, which has secured funds from the New Zealand Government's 'shovel ready' infrastructure program, will see the Theatre, which was closed in November because of safety concerns undergo upgrades to both its front and back-of-house areas.
It will also see the creation of a multi-purpose heritage facility connected to the Theatre area.
The three partners have extensive experience on major high-profile projects including TÅ«ranga, the new Christchurch Central Library; the successful redevelopment of the Oamaru and Hawke’s Bay Opera Houses; and the new Ngaio Marsh Theatre at the University of Canterbury, and have specific experience in blending new spaces with heritage architecture.
Donna Cross, Council Group Manager Commercial and Strategy, said that the consortium brings the mix of skills required to handle the dual tasks of bringing the Theatre back to life and introducing a significant new building into the existing streetscape, advising "the tender saw a range of incredibly strong proposals for the project which met our requirements for the project, but a key part of this submission that stood out was the commitment to stakeholder and community engagement and delivery of spaces that really meet the needs of the community.
"This is one of the first major developments the CBD has seen in many years and it aimed at creating flexible, fit-for-future spaces that build on the success of both the theatre and the museum and help attract people to come into town.
"While it may seem that this project has been a long time in coming, it was important to make sure we had all the planning and foundational work in place. "It’s great that we’re now at the part of the project where the community will begin to see the project is going and help shape what will be an amazing asset for Timaru District and the wider region."
Carsten Auer, Principal at Architectus added "the Theatre Royal and Heritage Facility offers an incredible opportunity to create a revitalised, welcoming and enticing cultural hub for Timaru, offering connections to local physical and cultural context, local industry and the wider region. It has the potential to attract more touring productions and exhibitions and act as a tourist magnet to the region as a whole.
"As Architects, our role will be to communicate, provide information, listen and respond to concerns, and ultimately obtain public buy-in and advocacy for the project. We successfully did this on the new Christchurch Library, Tūranga, where we engaged with over 30 community-based stakeholders.
"We also integrated the response to CCC’s public engagement campaign 'Your Library, Your Voice' which generated over 2,400 ideas from Christchurch residents about the kind of library they wanted and the services it should provide."
The Theatre Royal and Heritage facility project is being managed for Timaru District Council by Rubix. The project tender evaluation team are now reviewing proposals from an open tender for a Structural consultant (including structural, civil and geotechnical) and a Services consultant (including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fire) to join Architectus, forming the core design team for the project.
The project still needs external funding from charities and other groups for its completion. It is forecast for completion in the second half of 2023.
Image: Timaru Theatre Royal.
12th August 2020 - New Zealand Government reintroduces Coronavirus lockdowns
11th August 2020 - Creative New Zealand releases guidance to help councils support local arts
29th July 2020 - Performing Arts Network of New Zealand explores need for a central arts sector hub
28th July 2020 - New Zealand tourism industry bodies unite to highlight need for ongoing Government assistance
13th July 2020 - Funding boost for four New Zealand cultural events
16th June 2020 - Live performances set to welcome New Zealand arts and event patrons
29th May 2020 - New Zealand Government launches $175 million arts support package
30th March 2020 - Timaru District Council extends Caroline Bay dog prohibition
3rd August 2012 - Prime Minister opens new aquatic centre in Timaru
17th November 2016 - Two years after reopening Isaac Theatre Royal continues to attract recognition
12th June 2020 - Creative New Zealand adds $13 million to initial emergency arts funding
21st March 2020 - Creative New Zealand establishes multi-million dollar Coronavirus response
16th March 2016 - New Central Library ready to be built in Christchurch
6th September 2017 - Architects highlight how social benefits can make exercise attractive
28th April 2013 - State Theatre Centre at forefront of Perth’s Golden Age of Arts
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Principal Consultant Simon Weatherill has spent the last 20 years developing the world renowned Melbourne Sports Hub, as former Chief Executive Officer of the State Sports Centres Trust…
read moreAUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…
read moreProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…
read moreHIB Insurance Brokers - Experts in Leisure and Amusement Insurance With over 20 years specialising in the Amusement and Leisure industries, we have the experience to understand your operations and…
read moreWe live for media production and global events, providing real-time networks for video, audio, data and communications.
read moreLinks Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.
read moreABOUT SPORTENG specialises in the Planning, Design and Construction inspection of Fields of Play for all sports. Blending engineering with the specialist knowledge gained from working closely with…
read moreGoplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!