$750,000 Lotteries grant for Gisborne's War Memorial Theatre

Redevelopment of Gisborne's War Memorial Theatre is set to begin after a successful grant application to New Zealand's Lottery Community Facilities Fund.

The War Memorial Theatre Trust is delighted an application made for a substantial grant has been supported with trust chairperson and Gisborne District Councillor Pat Seymour stating "the War Memorial Theatre Trust with the very generous support of the Gisborne district community, arts and music groups and members of the public have already raised $4.3million.

"The Lotteries application process requires evidence that the community are supporting a project and that substantial funds have been raised before they will consider grant funding to make these significant community projects a reality. The trustees have worked really hard to achieve the necessary funding in the shortest possible timeframe. It is less than a year since the first fundraising activity launched the project. The Lotteries Grant of $750,000 brings us to within $300,000 of our target of $5.35million."

Gisborne District Council has previously committed $2.15million in its Ten Year Plan to the project on behalf of ratepayers. The grant application was made by Council on behalf of the trust. The total project is estimated to be in the realm of $7.5 million including fitting out the theatre with suitable acoustics, lighting and sound.

Mayor Meng Foon sincerely thanks the War Memorial Theatre fundraising team, adding "they have done a sterling job in raising the funds for our community theatre, the War Memorial Theatre.

"The redeveloped theatre will have a larger capacity and better staging facilities to meet national touring group requirements. By getting bigger and better shows coming to town we create a more vibrant Gisborne that inspires pride in those who live here. It will be fully earthquake strengthened and include a modern glass foyer with cafe/bar for the best possible theatre experience."

Project team members are now in the process of selecting the successful contractor to reconstruct the theatre.

Construction will take about 12 to 15 months. The theatre is currently closed and is not taking any bookings.