Progress on Performing Arts Precinct

Good progress is being made on plans to develop a new home for the Court Theatre in Christchurch’s city centre.

In October, Christchurch City Council set up a Theatre Working Group to develop a feasibility study that identifies a cost-effective option for a secure, long-term and sustainable location for the Court Theatre Company within the Performing Arts Precinct.

The stage is set for the Court Theatre's return to the city centre.

The Theatre Working Group – comprising Council staff, advisors and The Court’s representatives – has been meeting weekly to develop the project, work through The Court’s spatial requirements, and discuss governance and management options.

“Good progress has been made and we now have a far clearer understanding of the Court Theatre’s requirements and the challenges they face,’’ says Council General Manager Citizens and Community Mary Richardson.

“Our project team has developed an initial spatial concept which seems to offer a good basis for future development work.

“We’re looking at providing a main theatre with seating for 360 people and a studio theatre with seating for 120. There will also be a variety of front-of-house spaces such as ticketing and refreshment areas, and back-of-house spaces and administrative offices. The plan is to present a feasibility study to the Council in March next year,’’ Ms Richardson says.

The project team has also been looking at options for providing off-street parking on or near the Performing Arts Precinct to service the Precinct and the northern areas of the central city. Soon it will call for expressions of interest from developers who may be interested in partnering with the Council on this proposal.

The project team has also been considering how to make best use of the public outdoor spaces within the Performing Arts Precinct to connect with the new facilities, surrounding development and activities happening in the central city.

“Everyone involved in this project wants to see the Performing Arts Precinct succeed for both the people of Christchurch and for the arts sector itself,’’ Ms Richardson says.

The Performing Arts Precinct is a joint Council and Crown project. The Council is developing the facilities – with its contribution capped at $30 million – and the Crown is providing the land.

Read the status report on the Performing Arts Precinct, which will be considered by the Council’s Social, Community Development and Housing Committee on Wednesday 5 December.