Finding a future for landmark Dunedin entertainment venue

Dunedin City Council is calling on the public to share its visions for the future of a landmark Dunedin building.

With the Council having earlier this year purchased the building that operated as Sammy’s restaurant and nightclub for more than three decades, future possibilities for the building are being considered.

Opened as the Agricultural Hall in 1896, in 1902 it was redeveloped and re-opened as His Majesty's Theatre, operating until the mid 1970s when part of the building was demolished. Following renovations, it reopened in 1983 as Sammy’s restaurant and nightclub, which ultimately became a renowned music venue.

Under Dunedin’s Second Generation District Plan, which is yet to be finalised, permitted uses for the building include retail, events, entertainment and exhibitions, hospitality, offices, community, recreation, industrial or residential.

Commenting on the venue’s potential future, Community and Culture Committee Chair Aaron Hawkins explains “we want to give people a say on its future. What do the people of Dunedin see for this building? We want to hear their dreams and visions; the canvas is blank.

“This building has heritage and cultural significance for the city. It’s changed use many times over the years, and it’s appropriate that we should see what people think should happen next.”

Councillor Hawkins explains that a preliminary assessment indicates the building will need some work, adding “the full extent of that work is to be confirmed, but the building definitely needs some seismic strengthening, fire safety upgrades and access for people with disabilities.”

After public feedback is collected, Council will consider this along with other factors.

Any decision by Council to contribute to a capital development will be considered through the development of the Long Term Plan 2018-2028.

Images: Artist's impression of His Majesty's Theatre (top, courtesy of www.realestate.co.nz) and Sammy’s restaurant and nightclub (below, courtesy of Dunedin Music).

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