Architect appointed for strengthening and upgrade of Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre

Artist's impression of the Sir Howard Morrison Centre by selected architect Shand Shelton. Photo/Shand Shelton

The Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre is a step closer to opening its doors now that Rotorua Lakes Council has appointed an architect to carry out the work.

Following a competitive and detailed tender process, the council has appointed Shand Shelton to complete the design for the seismic strengthening and refurbishment of the building.

The category one heritage building, situated in the heart of Rotorua's CBD, closed in November last year when a seismic assessment identified the building was earthquake prone.

At the same time, a detailed business case had been completed giving clear direction for changes needed to ensure optimal use of the centre for performing arts.

of the Sir Howard Morrison Centre exterior at night. Photo/Shand Shelton

Rotorua Lakes Council arts and culture manager Stewart Brown said the project team was impressed with Shelton's focus on improving and enhancing the spaces for performing arts – from acoustic design through to easy operation, flexibility of spaces and high-quality theatre services.

"Key elements of the design which really stood out included Shand Shelton's hugely respectful treatment of the building's original heritage features, its strong use of wood throughout, and the way the team integrated and connected all the spaces with uniquely Rotorua stories," Brown said.

"We are really confident that when the project is completed, we will have a fantastic building where our local performing arts groups can showcase their talents, and a facility that will enable Rotorua to attract many of the top-quality touring shows from around the country and internationally."

Roger Shand, of Shand Shelton, said the design sought to weave together the past and the future in wood, stone and glass.

"Working with iwi and whānau we hope to capture the spirit of Rotorua in a building that will resonate with performers and patrons alike. We are cognisant of both the privilege and the responsibility a project like this entails."

Artist's impression of the foyer at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre. Photo/Shand Shelton

During the recent long-term planning round, Rotorua Lakes Council agreed to commit $4.5 million towards the seismic strengthening of the Sir Howard Morrison Centre, with the balance of funds for the project to be sourced externally.

The project team has already had additional funding commitments of $6m and is working hard to reach the estimated stage one project cost of $18m.

Earlier this year Sir Owen Glenn pledged $3m towards the project, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust has committed $1.5m and New Zealand Community Trust has approved $750,000.

Further commitments in principle totalling $750,000 have been received from a number of other trusts.

The Shand Shelton concept design also included a further stage two option, to replace the curved Banquet Room with a built-for-purpose performance space, storage space and truck dock.

Stage two will only be undertaken if the additional estimated funding of $4.8m can also be sourced externally.

Artist's impression of the Sir Howard Morrison Centre Concert Chamber. Photo/Shand Shelton

Since 2014, when the focus of use for the Sir Howard Morrison Centre changed from business events to performing arts, extensive consultation has taken place, particularly with existing and potential users of the venue.

President of Rotorua Musical Theatre Natasha Benfell said as one of the biggest local users of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, it was looking forward to the continued progress the council were making to give Rotorua a safe and functional workspace.

"We have attended, where possible, all of the discussions with the council and felt very included in the process and it has been a long one.

"An upgrade to provide the community with the best possible outcome has been an enormous project. We have tried to convey our personal requirements and hope that the end result will reflect a space we can all be proud of.'

In addition to the stakeholder consultation, a business case was also completed, which explored a range of options for the investment in the development of the centre – from simple seismic strengthening to a complete rebuild.

Information from the business case and the broad community and stakeholder engagement, has been key in both developing the design brief for the refurbishment, and also in the selection process for the successful concept design.

The tender process, to select the architect, received nine expressions of interest, which were narrowed down to two companies.

The design phase is expected to take the remainder of this year with construction due to start in the first half of 2019.

The Sir Howard Morrison Centre stage one enhancements will include
• Upgrade of the Concert Chamber to a flexible performance space able to seat 100 to 300 people
• Upgrade and extension of the Civic Theatre to 1000 seats
• General refurbishment of the main foyer, Banquet Room, and other spaces
• Refurbishment of the building exterior, and external landscaping and lighting