Theatre will still go ahead

A decision to go ahead with the new Civic Theatre will stimulate Marlborough's economy and provide jobs as well as fulfilling the need for a new theatre in Blenheim, Civic Theatre Trust chairman Kevin Moseley says.

The trust agreed to go ahead with plans to build the new theatre next to the Combined Clubs of Marlborough and Convention Centre.

The cost has increased from earlier estimates of $12.5 million to about $15m, although Mr Moseley said the latest estimate was reached when the cost of living was skyrocketing last year. He believed the final cost would fall as the economic downturn led to increased competition for the construction tender.

Mr Moseley said that after holding off because of the economy, the trust had decided to go ahead with the project. "The economic conditions are ambiguous and there's no reason to wait for clarity."

The Marlborough District Council agreed last year to funnel $5m from reserves into the project on the condition the trust achieve final project costs within budget, sell the existing Civic Theatre site and meet fundraising targets.

The council also agreed the new theatre's annual operating costs of $200,000 would be paid by ratepayers.

However, both Mayor Alistair Sowman and council chief executive Andrew Besley have said the new theatre could be stalled because of problems selling the existing theatre.

Mr Moseley said the trust was reviewing the options of the current theatre, which could include retaining it as a possible future income stream or selling it when market conditions improve. No potential buyers had indicated an interest in buying the current theatre, he said.

However, the trust had secured a naming rights sponsor Peter Mark Floor Pride. It was hoped this would encourage another business to consider buying naming rights for the new theatre.

The trust had been getting positive encouragement from other potential sponsors and a funding strategy meeting would take place today, Mr Moseley said.

"There is growing support in the community for this project."

Government support was also available, but the trust had to show it had "knocked on all the doors" in the community first.

The trust wanted work on the new theatre, expected to take two years, to begin next year, but it could take place earlier if funding was secured, he said.

"We know its going to be difficult ... if communities get behind things it's incredible what can happen. I think Blenheim has a great history of doing that."

Besides, the project would boost the region's economy, he said. "It will genuinely create employment for Marlborough people."

When asked if that was a good enough reason to go ahead, Mr Moseley said a new theatre was needed. "Nothing has changed about the need for it."

- The Marlborough Express