If the Dunedin Theatre Network gets its way, the council will initially provide up to $90,000 to deliver costed design concepts for refurbishment of the Playhouse, Athenaeum and Mayfair theatres.
The longer-term goal is to carry out a staged redevelopment of the venues over six to eight years — starting with the Playhouse and ending with the Mayfair — at a price of about $38million.
It is envisaged the Dunedin City Council would chip in with $17.1million, as a cornerstone investor.
The collaborative concept came together in just weeks and was put before the council at an annual plan hearing yesterday by Athenaeum building owner Lawrie Forbes and Dunedin Repertory Society president Jemma Adams.
The repertory society runs the Playhouse Theatre.
"This is the best shot our individual projects have for success," Ms Adams said.
"A network of venues will offer more than a single venue can.
"The venues will be made more welcoming, more accessible, stronger, warmer, dryer and better equipped for modern performing arts productions."
Ms Adams said the network wanted the council’s support to explore the concept further.
The council already has $17.1million in its 2021-31 long-term plan for development of a mid-sized theatre.
However, options put forward by consultancy Charcoalblue for development of either the Athenaeum or Mayfair theatre were not embraced by sectors of the community.
Mr Forbes said the joint proposal would achieve much of what Charcoalblue was seeking to deliver, and more.
Ms Adams wanted the concept to be tested in the community to see how well it resonated.
Broader engagement was planned, including with mana whenua.
Ms Adams noted the theatres were in heritage buildings that offered a range of styles of performance spaces.
"Without investment, our heritage buildings continue to deteriorate and building costs continue to rise, while — four years on from the Fortune Theatre’s closure — Otepoti Dunedin continues to lack fit-for-purpose performing arts venues," the network said in a concept document.
"We want to move this along at pace," Ms Adams said.
Mr Forbes said he would give up ownership of the Athenaeum building in the Octagon, if that helped.
