Architectus appointed lead architect for Timaru Theatre Royal upgrade
Architectus has been appointed lead architect for the Theatre Royal and Heritage Precinct project alongside theatre and acoustic specialists, Marshall Day, and heritage specialists, Dave Pearson Architects.
The current Theatre Royal was built in 1911 and has had subsequent modifications, however the facilities have progressively declined over recent decades.
The redevelopment will enable the facility to meet the requirements of modern productions for Theatre users and patrons and will involve upgrades to the auditorium, back-of-house facilities and stage house, including a new theatrical flying system.
The Precinct project also includes the relocation of the South Canterbury Museum into a new Heritage Facility to be co-located with the Theatre Royal. The facility will include additional exhibition space for touring exhibitions to be used by the Museum and Timaru’s Aigantighe Art Gallery.
Principal Carsten Auer said, “This is the sort of civic-minded project that excites us. It offers an incredible opportunity to create a revitalised, welcoming and enticing cultural hub for Timaru, offering connections to local physical and cultural context, local industry and the wider region.
“Together with our design partners, we are looking forward to working with Timaru District Council and the community to create a vibrant, rejuvenated and multi-purpose facility which will attract more touring productions and exhibitions and act as a tourist magnet to the region as a whole.”
The project is expected to be completed in 2023.