8 | Momentum Waikato: Waikato Regional Theatre T T Karen Phelps Excitement building for new theatre Construction of the WRT began in October 2021 and has been progressing smoothly. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT It’s not due for completion until 2025 but the Waikato Regional Theatre (WRT) has been inundated with both domestic and international booking requests, says general manager of the theatre Gus Sharp. All requests are being dealt with as expressions of interest as the theatre ensures a balanced opening programme, catering to a diverse range of audiences and showcasing the best of both local and international performance, he says. “We’ve had a lot of interest from performers but also businesses looking at the venue to host events. It shows people recognise that Hamilton is a regional hub and, in the case of performers, that there is an audience here hungry for live performance.” The ground breaking venture is not just another building project; it’s a bold statement about the future of culture and entertainment in Hamilton and the wider Waikato region, says communications and marketing manager at Momentum Waikato Mark Servian. Local businesses are gearing up for the influx of visitors the venue is expected to attract, with new cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops popping up in the vicinity. The economic ripple effect is evident, breathing new life into an area that was once overlooked, he says. Construction of the WRT began in October 2021 and has been progressing smoothly, says Mark. The Waikato Regional Property Trust, which will own the theatre and its operating company, has made significant strides in preparing for the venue’s future operations. The Trust, chaired by Ross Hargood, has appointed Deborah Nudds and Chris Williams to sit alongside the Board of Trustees. Nudds, the manager of The Meteor theatre in Hamilton, and Williams, the manager of King Street Advertising and a producer of musicals, bring valuable experience to the project. Momentum Waikato Community Foundation initiated the theatre project, is driving the fundraising, communications and marketing for it, and set up the Waikato Regional Property Trust as the independent dedicated entity that will be its owner and operator. Funding for the project has come from a mix of public and private sources, demonstrating the broad support for the initiative. Local businesses have stepped up with sponsorships, while individual donors have contributed through a ‘Take a Seat’ campaign. “Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the WRT project from its inception and the collaborative approach has fostered a sense of ownership among Hamiltonians.“ Mark says this diverse funding model ensures that the theatre remains a true community asset. As the theatre starts to take shape the WRT, which retains the façade of the old Hamilton Hotel, a heritage building, is turning heads, says Mark. Inside, state-of-the-art acoustics and flexible staging options promise to deliver world-class performances in an intimate setting. The theatre is also expected to be a popular venue for the business community to hold events with a three level foyer, rooms for hire and even plans to host dinners on the stage itself. “Businesses are always looking for new and different experiences for their staff and customers. WRT will really give the business community a unique place to hold events,” says Gus. Mark and Gus say there are still opportunities for people to be involved at all levels to help the project reach its funding target and they remain humbled by the support the project is receiving: “For example we had one person just donated $25,000 of an inheritance to honour the person that had passed away,” says Mark. “There is also the Business Collective Support scheme that has been popular where businesses can donate $10,000 to have their name displayed on a board in the theatre generating both recognition for their business and also do some good for the community. “Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the WRT project from its inception and the collaborative approach has fostered a sense of ownership among Hamiltonians. “The WRT is a beacon of creativity and a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.” 25 Langley Road, Wiri, Auckland Ph: +64 9 2783366 Fax: +64 2788595 E-Mail: davidm@grayson-eng.co.nz SPECIALISTS IN STRUCTURAL STEEL, FABRICATION & STEEL ERECTION Proudly supporting Foster Construction on the Waikato Regional Theatre project
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=