Four companies have bid to build the ASB Civic Theatre building in Blenheim.

Theatre trust spokesman Peter Mark said yesterday two of the tenderers were Marlborough companies Robinson Construction and T & D Construction (Thompson & Devanny), and two were from out of the district - Mainzeal and Naylor and Love Construction.

Two other firms invited to tender did not do so.

The tenders were being examined by the trust project managers and a recommendation would be made in the near future, Mr Mark said.

The theatre was a complex building, and it was important to do a thorough job to ensure the trust fully understood the methodology used by each construction company, he said.

"It's vital we're confident we're going to be getting the very best value in a project like this because of the amount of public money involved, so we won't be making any hasty decisions."

The trust appreciated that people were keen to know when the theatre build would move ahead, but the project was approaching the crucial point where major decisions would have to be made and that should not be rushed, Mr Mark said.

"We thank the public for their patience and, after seven years of planning and hard work by the building committee and fundraising team, it's great to think we have reached this stage."

The new theatre is to be built in Hutcheson St, next to the Clubs of Marlborough building, alongside the Taylor River.

- The Marlborough Express

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