First door opens to public at Hawke's Bay Opera House

Toitoi marketing manager Rosie Dawson-Hewes and general manager Megan Peacock-Coyle are excited the box office has opened. Photo / Warren Buckland

The first door has opened to the public on the $28.7 million Hastings Opera House complex development.

People can now buy tickets for events at what is known as Toitoi: Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, after the box office opened on Monday.

The centre itself is set to open on February 29, but people can now visit the box office, and get a sneak peek into what has been happening since it closed for earthquake strengthening in 2014.

Toitoi manager Megan Peacock-Coyle said it was great to have the box office open and to move back into the building, despite now having to work with the construction noise in the background.

"It's a milestone, coming back into the building, and as we said on the day we walked in, it was like coming home."

She said the box office, on Eastbourne Corner, looks into the old Plaza, now known as Functions on Hastings.

"People can sort of see what's going on, we're quite excited about allowing a little sneak peek."

She said they wanted the space to be one where the community felt comfortable hanging out.

"It'll be a nice little place, with hopefully the public coming in a checking things out."

Alison Quigan and Mark Hadlow are set to star in Roger Hall's new play Winding Up, which is on at Toitoi in MArch. Photo / Supplied

She believed the space was creating a Renaissance in Hastings, with new restaurants popping up all over the place, ready to service people attending events at the theatre.

"Its been a long time coming for Hastings, but I think its Hastings time."

One of the major events in the opening month will be Roger Hall's new play Winding Up, staring Alison Quigan and Mark Hadlow.

After its world premier in Auckland, Hastings will be the first place it is performed, and tickets are on sale now.

Hastings District Council manager of community facilities and programmes Alison Banks, said the space had already secured 30 performances for 2020.

This includes international comedians and musicals, top national theatre and dance tours and wide range of local community events, as well as venue bookings such as graduations, school balls and conference events.

"We are focused on curating a broad selection of acts to ensure our entire community can enjoy their newly-reopened venues."