Final curtain call for Christchurch's Mill Theatre

Christchurch's Mill Theatre will be another of the city's theatres to meet the wrecker's ball.

The large four-storey brick mill in Addington, was built at the turn of the 20th century and had been home to amateur group The Riccarton Players.

Secretary and founding member Doug Clarke, QSM, said the damage to the building was extensive, stating "we've got issues with the roof and lots of bricks have come down through the building.

"There wasn't too much damage after the big one, it's been worsened by all the bloody aftershocks."

Clarke said members of the Riccarton Players' committee would retrieve important items from the theatre before it was demolished, stressing it was only the building that had been condemned.

"I'm gutted, obviously, but I'm determined to make sure we find somewhere and rebuild.

"A club is only as good as its membership and our membership is strong."

Meanwhile plans for a new home of the arts in Christchurch have been given a $2.5 million boost with the Prime Minister's Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust has announced the grant for the Court Theatre's fundraising campaign to build a new theatre in Addington.

Trustee Rod Carr said most performing arts venues were damaged by February's earthquake and closed, explained "the arts scene simply cannot flourish in Christchurch without the infrastructure required to present performances. The Court's new venue will provide some relief to the current situation and helps to provide a bridge to the future for the arts sector which is urgently needed."

Carr said the Court was "an iconic theatre" and the country's largest and most productive theatre company.

"This project will ensure that The Court can continue to operate, opening the doors for over 150,000 Cantabrians and visitors who visit this theatre each year."

Court Chief Executive Phillip Aldridge said it was "immensely grateful" for the major donation which significantly boosted its campaign to re-open the theatre.

"Support like this from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust recognises the importance of the cultural infrastructure in the rebuild of the city.

"We all want and need to be entertained which is even more important in times of stress and recovery. The theatre still has a way to go and so the fundraising drive continues and we remain determined to open in December."

The Court recently announced Dame Maggie Smith as Patron of the Court fundraising campaign and a total of $4.6 million is needed for the theatre to re-open at the end of this year.

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