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The redevelopment of the Timaru’s Theater Royal and Heritage district has received a cash injection of $ 11.6 million from the Government.
Funding for the $ 23 million project, which includes the development of a new museum and exhibition space, was announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at a business luncheon at the Landing Service building in Timaru on Tuesday.
“The Theater Royal is an iconic building and an integral part of the Timaru community and it will be wonderful to see it return to its former glory,” Ardern said.
Bejon Haswell / Stuff
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, right, was accompanied by Rangitata candidate Jo Luxton, left, and Wigram MP Megan Woods, when she arrived in Timaru.
“The project met the criteria of the Government’s ‘shovel-ready’ program in the sense that it is ready to go and will create jobs.
“The design and construction of the theater upgrade and new facilities are estimated to directly employ 155-210 people.
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“As we rebuild from Covid, it is critical that we invest in local facilities that bring communities together and help tell local stories.
“The Government has invested in theaters, galleries, swimming pools and stadiums, and rebuilding these crucial facilities that hold communities together is an important aspect of our shovel-ready capital program.”
JOHN BISSET / Stuff
Timaru’s $ 23 million Theater Royal and Heritage Precinct redevelopment project met the government’s “ready-to-use” program criteria in that it is ready to go and will create jobs, according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen thanked the Prime Minister and said that the investment in upgrading the Theater Royal and creating the Heritage Hub meant a lot to the people of Timaru.
“It is very important from a cultural point of view, but also the social and economic opportunities that the delivery of a great project for our people entails.”
Citing the impact of project funding on the Central Business District, the mayor said he would support other work done by the council.
“It supports the work that we are doing with the City Hub strategy right now around what a fit-for-purpose CBD will look like in the future.”
MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE / STUFF
Nigel Gilkison, Timaru CBD Group thinks the financing announcement is “fantastic”.
CBD Group President Nigel Gilkison Timaru was delighted.
“I think it’s great that funding has been announced for the Royal Theater upgrade, which has been in dire need of that investment for a long time,” Gilkison told Stuff.
“I think it will help stimulate more investment, particularly in the southern tip of TImaru and in the CBD in general.
“It’s really positive, it will really help get that project off the ground and get it moving, in particular, the southern tip of the CBD.”
South Canterbury Museum Director Philip Howe said the funding was a huge boost and would provide a great boost to the southern edge of the city and to Timaru and the district.
Doug Field / Stuff
South Canterbury Museum Director Philip Howe sees the funding announcement as a huge boost for Timaru, particularly the far south.
“Having the theater and Heritage Center development guaranteed to start means we can confidently move forward with our planning.”
New Zealand Hospitality South Canterbury Branch President Kristy Phillips said the announcement had many positives, including Timaru’s potential to create a strong overnight economy.
John Bisset / Stuff
New Zealand Hospitality South Canterbury Branch President and Accommodation Spokesperson Kristy Phillips says the funding announcement should be positive for Timaru.
“It will create a buzz for events and exhibitions and it will get people to come out and see what Timaru has to offer.”
“Anything that creates jobs in Timaru is beneficial. Contractors stay in our accommodation, they dine in our places, it has to be positive. “
Bejon Haswell / Stuff
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Bluestone School students after they performed Paradise in both song and sign language in Timaru.
The remodeling is one of the Timaru District Council’s major projects for the next three years. In August he announced Architectus as the lead architect for the project, while Rubix was confirmed as the project manager at the end of 2019.
Architectus has worked on a number of major projects, including Tūranga, the new Christchurch Central Library and the new Ngaio Marsh Theater at the University of Canterbury, and has experience in combining new spaces with heritage architecture. Rubix’s projects include the Ent X complex in Christchurch and work at the Invercargill airport.
“The Theater Royal needed an upgrade as the rear of the house and the stage were significantly limiting the ability to host local and touring shows. The lobby area will be remodeled so that the venue can host a greater variety of events, ”said Ardern.
Bejon Haswell / Stuff
Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Landing Services Building in Timaru before announcing the injection of government cash into the redevelopment of the Theater Royal and Heritage.
The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023.
“The project will also include the development of a new museum and exhibition space. The current South Canterbury Museum has significant space limitations that the new 1,335-1400 m2 facility will address.
“The new Heritage Facility will join the Theater Royal with integration, shared space and facilities between the two and will be an important addition to the cultural and community identity of South Canterbury.
The Theater Royal is currently inscribed on the New Zealand / Rārangi Kōrero Heritage List as a Category 2 Historic Site.
