Waikato Regional Theatre on track for 2021 opening

A view of the Waikato Regional Theatre's outdoor performing area and staircase leading to the auditorium. The outdoor area connects with a river walkway. Image / Momentum Waikato

The Waikato Regional Theatre in Hamilton is on track to be built and open in June 2021, with Momentum Waikato on target to complete the project within its $75 million budget.

The 1300-seat theatre by the Waikato River in Victoria Street was approved by the city council in June, and Momentum Waikato chief executive Kelvyn Eglinton updated councillors last week about progress.

The theatre is in the detailed design phase, with early contractors also brought in to help.
"We bring in early contractors involvement as part of the detailed design work, so they can discuss how that may impact construction," Mr Eglinton said.

Over 68 per cent of funding has been confirmed for the theatre, with another 27 per cent confirmed as "highly probable", leaving only 5 per cent of funding outstanding. This amount — almost $4 million — is expected to come from the wider community.

At the HCC briefing, councillor Paula Southgate asked how the theatre would connect to the museum, and wider plans for development along the river in the CBD. Mr Eglinton said it was something that would be considered throughout the design.

"It's not excluded — we haven't had the discussion," he said.

He said Momentum Waikato is taking into consideration the CBD revitalisation, as well as the river walkways and new jetty and how they can be incorporated into the theatre's designs.

The presentation also brought up issues that Momentum is tackling with parking, plans for drop off areas and after hours use of some of the CBD's private carparks.

As part of its 10-year plan, Hamilton City Council committed to give $25 million towards building a regional theatre, with a further $5 million coming from the wider Waikato region.

The 27 per cent of probable funding will come from donors, gaming, naming rights, lotteries and central Government's Provincial Growth and Regional Culture and Heritage Funds.