Community cost halved in centre update

Cian Elyse White fronts the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre update at Rotorua Library today ahead of an artist's impression.

The $22.5 million update of the construction of a community centre will cost Rotorua ratepayers $11.5m.

This news was delivered in the first of several updates of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre before nearly 50 people at the Rotorua Public Library.

Various agencies – including a poultice from the late Sir Howard Morrison's great philanthropic friend Sir Owen Glenn – had contributed to the cost of restoring the quake-stricken building scheduled to reopen in mid-2021.

The building, which was starting to gain momentum on Sir Howard's name, was severely affected by an earthquake in 2016 and has since been fenced off.

Originally the Civic Centre, the name of the venue was changed in commemoration of Sir Howard, Rotorua's gift to entertainment and the nation with his Quartet in the 1960s.

Sir Howard died 10 years ago in September, 2009.

Cian Elyse White, the actor who is performing arts director with the Rotorua Lakes Council, delivered a svelte update of centre, which was due to start now.

The rehabilitated hub will now cater for 1000 seating, the original number before it was reduced to 750 in the intervening period.

The rationale, Cian says, is because it is hoped once reopened attractions will reflect a wider regional pull.

The building will also be more expansive inside, allowing for theatrical groups, a home for Rotorua Music Theatre and other arts and interest groups.

Cian spoke of the timeline from 2016 when tremors caused damage, requiring urgent repair.

The whakapapa (history) of the museum preceded the update, with a 1940 photograph depicting a Spanish mission style of centre, far removed from today's rococo impression.

In 1995, the building underwent its first major change with several in the audience of close to 50 having financial and artistic input.

Illustrations of seismic assessment were depicted and in 2016 the building was ruled an earthquake risk.

Critical success factors were identified. In keeping with the Rotorua way, options were considered, maximising opportunities.

As well as seismically strengthening the building a chance existed to upgrade other areas within the complex.

Between now and December a programme of ‘deconstruction' will begin. Hopes were the building would reopen in mid-2021, Cian says.

A much bigger lobby than the present build will facilitate such as community exhibitions and book signings.

Studios for recordings are also planned along with ‘hireable' areas and foyer spaces in the upstairs area.

'It will be a much more appropriate use of space,” Sian says.

A former Rotorua councillor Glenys Searancke questioned why 1000 seats or whether technical areas did not appear factored in?

The original seating for 1000 had later been reduced but now that number will be restored.

Cian says the decision was to fulfil a wider community and wider regional need. Seating would rise from the present 750 to 1000, possibly at the back of the second floor upstairs region.

Accessibility was also missing in the presentation but to a question Cian says this has not been overlooked.

Nor had security been mentioned but it has been taken into account.

Cian says the driving drop off traffic bay will also be discarded to conform with current national standards.

A budget of $22.5 million cost had been set aside but there were no plans to over-run, with some flexibility to use funds from elsewhere. Contingencies had also been arranged to meet any shortfall.

Culture director Stewart Brown agreed with Glenys Searancke this would mean compromising on funds from elsewhere.

Stewart says Rotorua is in effect getting a $22.5 million building for $11.5m taking into account funds from outside non-government agencies.

Concert chamber seating was expected to be at a comfortable level, Cian says.

Facility for world class opera and international acts, with a special nod to ballet and, locally, musical theatre which was missing the venue.

Regional Bay of Plenty theatrical groups were able to connect to facilitated packages to perform in the respective areas.

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