Mayor takes another look at saving St James Theatre

Efforts to save Auckland's St James Theatre are far from over. Photo / supplied

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has ordered an urgent report assessing ways to save the iconic St James Theatre.

The ornate Queen St theatre, which is listed as heritage category one by the Historic Places Trust, has been unused since it was hit by a fire in 2007.

SPCA executive director Bob Kerridge started the lobby group St James Saviours and the Herald ran a campaign to save the 1928 building last year.

Mr Brown's said his call for a report was in line with the results of a recently commissioned study into Auckland's performing arts needs, which found a restored St James Theatre could meet a medium to long-term need for a 1400-1500 seat venue.

The theatre was a part of Auckland's history and needed to be restored, he said.

"We cannot afford to lose another iconic building. All of Auckland needs to work together to ensure we don't lose the St James."

The Professional Performing Arts Venue Study also found a 600-seat venue in the central city was urgently needed.

It backed an Auckland Theatre Company proposal for a new event space in Wynyard Quarter. The company is seeking a $10 million ratepayers contribution for the project.