Blenheim's new ASB Theatre nears completion

Structural work on the new ASB Civic Theatre in Blenheim is progressing, with the expectation of October completion.

Current work at the new $20 million venue includes the completion of the concrete roof, panels being put in place for the auditorium, and tiered seating put in on the eastern side of the building.

The final completion date of the new theatre has been pushed back due to design delays, winter weather and unexpected structural engineering work.

The theatre was initially designed as a steel structure but following the Christchurch earthquakes it was changed to a concrete building.

With the venue set to open in February 2016, community fundraising is being undertaken to fit out out the theatre.

The building is expected to be handed over to the Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust in December.

Trust Chairman Kevin Moseley recently told local newspaper the Marlborough Express "the engineering is finished and the architecture is 99% of the way there.

"There was a whole load of ifs and buts that hadn't been nailed down but now that they have we can continue to raise money."

The need for a theatre to replace Blenheim's existing Marlborough Civic Theatre was first proposed in 2004.

The Marlborough District Council supported the project in 2012 with a $5 million grant and other money has come from the Marlborough Theatre Trust, the Canterbury Community and public fundraising.

For more information and advancing bookings go to the Marlborough Theatre Trust website at www.mctt.co.nz

Article amended 9.30 am, Tuesday 19th May 2015.

28th February 2014 - ATTRACTING PROMOTERS TO MARLBOROUGH’S VENUES