Building to commence on Auckland’s new Waterfront Theatre

The Auckland Theatre Company (ATC) has announced that Hawkins Construction has been appointed to build the new waterfront theatre project in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter.

With ATC having raised sufficient funding for construction to commence, the Company is now finalising agreements and other arrangements in advance of Auckland Council giving the green light for the project to start.

The state-of-the-art centre for performing arts will become ATC's resident venue. It will comprise a 600-seat theatre designed specifically for drama and dance, a café and bar, gallery space and shared courtyard. ASB Bank will also provide access to the 200 seat auditorium which the Bank has included in the ASB Head Office.

Auckland Theatre Company's General Manager Lester McGrath explains "we've received huge support from both private and public benefactors for the project, including $10 million from the Auckland Council which kick started the fundraising campaign three years ago. “We're thrilled that this dream is now becoming a reality and very much look forward to giving Auckland an international-standard theatre and arts complex."

A mid-sized venue for performing arts companies was identified by Auckland Council as the single highest priority need for performing arts in Auckland. This initiative strengthens Auckland's creative economy, further promotes Auckland's waterfront as a visitor destination and showcases the region's significant and vast performing arts industry.

ATC is Auckland's flagship professional theatre company. The waterfront theatre project allows ATC to reach wider audiences and also provides a space for more domestic and international arts organisations to tour and showcase their work in Auckland.

Other major contributors to the project include Creative New Zealand, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, ASB, ASB Community Trust, AUT University, Infinity Foundation and the Lion Foundation.

23rd July 2013 - CREATIVE NEW ZEALAND COMMITS $4.5 MILLION TO AUCKLAND WATERFRONT THEATRE PROJECT

21st November 2012 - WATERFRONT THEATRE NEARS FUNDRAISING TARGET

30th May 2011 - NEW HOME FOR AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY