Auckland Council to contribute to St James Theatre restoration

Auckland Council’s Finance and Performance committee has agreed to make a major contribution to the restoration of the city’s St James Theatre.

The Council will provide a secured suspensory loan to the venue owner of up to $15 million from funds already budgeted for restoration works.

This follows the purchase of the old theatre and the surrounding land by Li family interests late 2014. Following the purchase, the new owners announced, through Relianz Holdings and Steve Bielby of the Auckland Notable Properties Trust, that the theatre would be retained and restored and that a multi-story apartment block and commercial activities would be developed on the rest of the land.

Queen Street’s St James Theatre is one of the last two early 20th Century theatres in Auckland and is scheduled as a Category A heritage building in the legacy plan and Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP).

Auckland Mayor Len Brown is thrilled with the Council’s financial contribution, saying the restoration of the theatre is the number one heritage priority that Aucklanders wanted to see happen.

Mayor Brown stated "Aucklanders are united in wanting to preserve the historic theatre so that generations in future can continue to enjoy.”

The Council sees continued public access to the theatre for the enjoyment of its historic character as a fundamental condition of its grant.

It is estimated that $66.6 million will be needed for the total restoration.

The owners proposed this to be in two stages. Stage one involves structural upgrades, including earthquake strengthening, and envelope upgrades, and essential services reinstatement/replacement including electrical, water and fire protection.

The estimated cost of this phase of the work is $41.3 million. This includes $12.4 million for works which are required to comply with resource consent conditions and are therefore at the developer’s sole cost. This leaves a balance of $29 million and the ccouncil’s financial contribution would be applied to this phase of work.

Stage two would be the reinstatement of the finishes, fittings and remaining services, such as air-conditioning and backstage equipment and the restoration of the dress and upper circle at an estimated cost of $25.4 million.

At the completion of the stage one works, the ground floor space would have limited operational use, being capable of holding concerts, events and performances there. It is hoped that stage two of the restoration could be considered whenever other funding becomes available.

Steve Bielby added “this commitment will go a long way in helping get the St James back to its former glory and I look forward to working alongside council over the coming weeks to finalise the arrangements of stage one of the restoration works.

"I would like to thank the Mayor for his always optimistic support and also to the councillors who have supported the project and assisted us in making it this far."

Built in 1928, the St James was originally designed for vaudeville acts. Its architect Henry Eli White also designed the St James Theatre in Wellington.

It closed in 2007 because of safety concerns. After the theatre and adjacent land was purchased in 2014, several performance events have been held while restoration continues.

Images (from top): An artist's impression of a restored St James Theatre, the Theatre's facade today and a performance at the St James Theatre.

17th December 2015 - WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR SEVENTH ANNUAL AUCKLAND THEATRE AWARDS

2nd February 2015 - AUCKLAND MAYOR BACKS ST JAMES THEATRE RENOVATION

26th May 2014 - BUILDING TO COMMENCE ON AUCKLAND’S NEW WATERFRONT THEATRE

17th May 2014 - NEW BRANDING FOR AUCKLAND’S LIVE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ORGANISATION