A proposed $12million performing arts centre has been presented to the Dunedin City Council as an affordable option for Dunedin’s theatre community.
The council heard details of the option for Dunedin’s theatre and performing arts community at a community services committee meeting yesterday.
Stage South Charitable Trust spokesman Ross Johnston referred councillors to a performing arts centre on the Kapiti Coast, Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, and suggested an "almost physically identical centre" could be built in Dunedin.
The 2000sqm facility was built in 2020 for $12m.
In many cases, these types of structures cost at least twice as much and this facility demonstrated an affordable option could be replicated in Dunedin, he said.
He cited the $17.1m that had been allocated for a performing arts venue in the council’s 10 year plan.
While they had financed the initial inquiry themselves, Mr Johnston sought monetary assistance from the council to amass further information.
"We believe we can provide you with plans for an affordable, purpose-built, professional performing arts centre for use by the entire community, that could be the treasure of Dunedin." Mr Johnston said.
Cr Jim O’Malley questioned whether the council could come to a fixed position on where to allocate the budgeted $17.1m and raised questions about the future of two historic buildings, the Fortune Theatre and Sammy’s.
He sought clarity on whether Errick’s, a new venue housed in the former New New New brewery in Crawford St, had a capacity of 500 people.
If it met this capacity, they would potentially have two options for a mid-sized venue in the city, the other being Sammy’s, which he said had structural problems and asbestos issues.
"We have to turn around and face the fact we have two old buildings that have particularly large challenges associated with them, and what are we going to do with them
But other councillors grew concerned the conversation was going in circles.
Cr Steve Walker agreed with earlier comments from Cr David Benson-Pope that there remained a lack of clarity, and the focus had shifted away from professional theatre.
"The plethora of information, while absolutely well-intentioned ... have thrown us somewhat awry."
He said the council should not be "sleepwalking" into making a decision nor throwing away the opportunity for a new, bespoke, mid-sized professional theatre venue.
Cr Christine Garey said there was no single voice in the performing arts sector, which had failed to come together.
"The challenge I would make to the performing arts sector is the big risk you may face is the possibility of losing that $17.1m and I would certainly fight against that and challenge us not to do that.
"That is what you risk if you cannot come as one voice."
The council voted unanimously to note the performing arts venue update report.
