Kia Ora from the Theatre Manager
Over the past few weeks, several major milestones have been reached, and the Waikato Regional Theatre is beginning to take on its final shape, both structurally and aesthetically.
Essentially, we've completed the outline - now we've just got to colour it in!
One of the most exciting developments has been the installation of the huge windows in the Foyer, through which you’ll see a stunning view out over the Waikato River. What looked great in the concept images is now translating really well in its actual execution, thanks to the dedication of Fosters and the rest of the WRT team.
This portal will create a seamless connection between the inner realm of the Theatre and its surrounding natural environment, a memorable vista that will make this nationally significant performing arts centre feel truly embedded in the Waikato.
I'm also thrilled to report that the Hamilton Hotel heritage façade is self-supporting again, so the large propping structure that has held it up for nearly three years is now being removed. This is a major milestone for the build and one that holds deep significance.
Preserving this historic element while integrating it into a modern public building has been a complex but ultimately vital part of our project. The façade stands proudly at the heart of the Theatre’s design and its restored stability means we’re now able to complete the structure around it, bringing the old and new together to honour a much-loved streetscape while embracing contemporary architecture.
Meanwhile, the distinctive ‘blade walls’, which will be one of the Theatre’s signature visual features, are progressing well. The framing that will hold their stone cladding is now in place, giving the building a bold, striking presence as you approach.
With structural work on Levels One through Three nearing completion, we’re starting to see the form of key spaces emerge. Dressing rooms, rehearsal areas and other back-of-house facilities are taking shape, all designed to provide top-notch functionality for performers and staff alike.
Walking through the building, you now get a real sense of how it all fits together, how performers will get from green room to stage, and patrons from the street to their seats.
As all this becomes real, we are more committed than ever to ensuring this Theatre becomes a sustainable and lively cultural hub for the wider Waikato region. Our focus remains on delivering a space that blends world-class performance with local community spirit, creating a venue that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of your taste in performance!
Theatre site from the air in October 2024
The fly tower is going up and the roof is beginning to be covered in these great drone pics taken last week by Cameron Neilson of Foster Group.
See more of these latest drone shots of the Theatre site.
Waikato Times: Regional Theatre shows its face
By Sarah Morcom, Monday, 14 October 2024.
About a third of the support struts had been removed on Sunday morning. PHOTO: Kelly Hodel / WAIKATO TIMES.
Hamilton’s flagship Regional Theatre is moving into its next stage of construction as the last support struts come away.
Construction on the iconic theatre has taken off this year with a complex of structures appearing behind the original Hamilton Hotel façade.
Now a new stage of construction begins, as the big support struts on that façade come away, giving people a glimpse of one of the main elements of the city’s biggest public buildings in decades.
Momentum Waikato communications and marketing manager Mark Servian says it’s an incredible change from this time last year.
“If you look at the pictures from the beginning of the year, it really was down below the level of the street,” Servian said.
“And now we're not that far away from the skin of the thing being built.”
Theatre's big supporters have a look inside
It was a huge pleasure on Wednesday 11 September 2024 to host the major donors and the stakeholders' leaders for a thank-you function IN THE ACTUAL THEATRE!!!
Big thanks to Foster Group, who closed the construction site down early to allow this late-afternoon gathering to take place safely.
The speakers all conveyed the sense of gratitude to the Theatre's supporters, both those that could fit in the space and everyone who has donated -> thanks back at you, Neil Richardson from Momentum Waikato, Ross Hargood and Gus Sharp from the Waikato Regional Property Trust, and Leonard Gardner from Foster Group Limited.
The roof is going on, the muscle is being added to the skeleton of the building, in a year-or-so this beast will be awakening.
See more photos from Donor event inside the Theatre.
You can still 'Take a Seat' in the new Theatre!
You can still 'Take a Seat' in the new Waikato Regional Theatre.
Tangibly show your support for this exciting new performing arts centre being built in the South End of Hamilton’s CBD.
Donate $1500 to the Theatre, either in one go or over several scheduled payments, and you or your family’s name, or your business or group’s title, will be displayed on a seat in the auditorium.
To donate or just find out more, either visit sharethestage.co.nz/takeaseat or contact Momentum via momentumwaikato.nz/contact.