Kia Ora from the Theatre Manager
Gus Sharp showing the Theatre site to the Trust Waikato board earlier this month.
In the last issue I focussed on the Theatre’s operational matters - since then progress on the building’s construction has become increasingly visible, with exciting developments now on the horizon, so I thought I'd catch you all up on what's happening next.
Riverside foyer taking form: The steel posts you can now see on the Embassy Park side of the site are shaping the riverside foyer, which will house the feature staircase and the captivating Ralph Hotere painting from the Founders. These columns, extending from the lower foyer space to the roof, will support a glass wall offering panoramic views of the Waikato River.
Next construction phase: Brace yourselves for more noticeable changes now the focus has shifted to the main structural framing. With excavation and foundations complete, the spotlight has turned to the superstructure. Look out for the systematic installation of structural steel, shear walls and floors, with each level marking a significant step towards the completion of the overall structure.
Heritage façade transformation: The area behind the historic façade, pictured above, has been levelled out and prepared for construction of its permanent support and roofing. Soon the temporary large steel support props on the Victoria Street side will be removed.
Auditorium ascension: The auditorium's construction is in full swing, with the orchestra pit and under-stalls area taking shape, pictured above. As it rises, so will the supporting back-of-house spaces, including scene and loading docks.
Construction challenges and successes: Challenges include things like managing the storage and movement of a significant amount of reinforcing steel in tight spaces. However, the Foster team's dedication shines through, producing quality results on this tight inner-city site. Positive feedback from our neighbours is consistent despite inevitable disruptions.
Looking Ahead: With lower floors now poured, the crew enjoys more space to manoeuvre, signalling continued momentum in this exciting project.
Aside from construction, I've spent a lot of time talking to potential users of the Theatre, including international promoters, national arts organisations and bands.
While we can't give too much away, what we've heard from the performance sector is really exciting. There is a strong appetite to perform for Waikato audiences in the new venue and to bring some really special guests to the region.
If you'd like me to come and speak to a community or business group about the Waikato Regional Theatre project, please feel free to email me, I'd love to come and tell you all about it!
Give a Seat in the Theatre for Christmas!
Looking for that special unique gift for someone who loves live performance and the cultural life of the Waikato?
You can 'Give a Seat' in the new Waikato Regional Theatre as a Christmas gift for friends and family!
A donation of $1,500 means you or your family’s name, or the title of your business or group, or any wording you choose, will be displayed on a seat in the auditorium for the lifetime of the Theatre.
When you ‘Give a Seat’ in the Theatre, we will send you a ‘Your name on a seat’ pop-up gift card to present to the lucky recipient whose name will be displayed.
‘When this town is bigger, we’ll be glad to have this Theatre’
ACLX is the Waikato’s leading event production equipment supplier, so unsurprisingly they have been enthusiastic supporters of the Waikato Regional Theatre since it was first proposed six years ago.
Now they have backed that up with a serious donation to the Theatre project, as part of its ‘Business Collective Support’ programme.
Managing Director Aaron Chesham (pictured below), who has been designing and rigging lights for local shows and parties since the late-1990s, says there is a clear demand here for a modern performing arts venue.
“The Waikato needs and deserves a purpose-designed space for delivering complex and sophisticated entertainment events, it’s the infrastructure for the highly technical events that we haven’t been able to host in Hamilton for many years, since long before Founders was condemned,” says Aaron.
“We’re talking the flexibility that comes from having the ‘flying systems’ for scenery and staging, the wings, the acoustics, the sightlines, the accessibility, just generally the environment that a true theatre space offers that an arena doesn’t.
Waikato Times: Superstructure reveals shape of theatrical things to come in downtown Hamilton
Originally published in the Waikato Times, Saturday 4 November 2023.
By Mike Mather.
The Fosters Construction team have literally been in the pits over the wet winter months. Now that the summertime is approaching they - and their handiwork - are rising up. Photo: MARK TAYLOR / WAIKATO TIMES.
People passing the new Waikato Regional Theatre construction site can’t help but notice that big changes are taking place.
Much of what has been happening over the past year is obvious: A lot of dirt has been excavated and trucked away.
Meanwhile, a steady stream of concrete mixer trucks have made their way down Hamilton’s main street and disappeared behind the high fences blocking the view of what’s happening there.
But structural steel is now starting to appear over the parapet. It’s an apparition that has led to much excitement and has fuelled the air of anticipation surrounding the project.
But the question must be asked: What are we looking at, exactly?
The man with the answers is Graeme Ward, the director at project management company RDT Pacific, which is overseeing the project.