Arts centre takes shape after 16 years of planning

Creative arts in Manukau City will get a boost with a new $7.4 million arts centre to be built in the district.

The Mangere Arts Centre - which will specifically cater to the visual and performing arts - is expected to open by September next year. Construction will begin next month.

Amenities include two large galleries, a studio and a performance area where up to 300 people can be seated.

Project development manager Dena Gilmore said it was a step forward not only for Mangere but for the Manukau City region.

"It's about showcasing Manukau's talent and providing many opportunities," she said.

"It's community-minded and has been planned looking at what the community needs."

A 400sq m interchangeable stage will also be included, easily converted to a theatre, catwalk, flat floor or thrust stage.

A large courtyard will display sculpture and other art.

Funded by the Manukau City Council with the help of sponsors, the arts centre is the first purpose-built facility of its kind in Manukau City.

It has been planned since 1993, with proposals officially starting three years later.

Building was finalised in the council's long-term 10-year plan.

Council arts planner Priscilla Thompson - who has been working in the arts for over 10 years - said many professional actors, performers, artists and musicians had come from South Auckland.

"There's about 50,000 people out here - a lot of young people. There's a lot of talent out here, but those people have been underserved," she said.

"We're seeing this as a springboard for the youth here. [South Auckland] is incredibly rich in arts - it's all about the church choirs, visual arts, hip hop and the performing arts. We need this."

The Mangere Arts Centre will be built in the heart of Mangere, on the corner of Orly Ave and Bader Drive - prime real estate that would draw in people from all parts of Manukau, Ms Thompson said.

"[Bader Drive] is the Queen St of Mangere. There's high schools all around it and all [of] those have strong support for the performing arts.

"You know this centre is going to be used."

The facility will be open to the public, with various performing and visual arts programmes - including music lessons - running free.

The theatre will also be available to local schools for their respective art and performance shows.

Manukau City Mayor Len Brown says the new centre will help bring together the district's diverse communities, while helping local up-and-coming artists at the same time.

The centre's location - close to the airport - will also help it to become a favourite place with tourists.

A sod-turning ceremony will take place on August 14.