A call by professional theatre representatives for the Dunedin City Council to consider developing a new performing arts venue could align well with the Carnegie Centre, the site’s owner says.
Carnegie Centre owner Darryl Jones said the Moray Pl property had space out the back that could accommodate the development of two theatres.
"The group that has proposed a new build — this sort of fits with that," Mr Jones said.
The Dunedin City Council has identified the need for a mid-sized theatre, and set aside $17.1 million for the cause, but it is struggling to deliver on the concept.
A new build could be accessible and cost-effective, Stage South board member Karen Elliot, film producer and actor Peter Hayden and lighting designer and director Marty Roberts told Dunedin city councillors this week.
Mr Hayden said the facility in Kāpiti included two theatres, a floor suitable for dance, an atrium, rehearsal rooms and a recording studio.
Such a vision could be achieved at the Carnegie Centre, in the heart of the city, Mr Jones said.
The Carnegie Centre is on the market and Mr Jones has suggested the council buy it.
However, Mr Jones said this was not his motivation.
"I don’t care if I sell it or not," he said.
"I’d love to see the building turned into something really useful — a performing arts hub."
It was used principally for commercial office space.
"The Carnegie Centre is a building that has the potential to generate income and reduce operating costs for Dunedin by providing a complete performing arts hub for the city," Mr Jones said.
"Behind the Carnegie Centre, there is approximately 800sq m of land that presents theatre groups with a blank canvas to design not only one, but two performing arts theatres."
