Bold new museum and theatre complex unveiled

 

Waipa District Councillors have ratified a bold new design concept for a proposed multi-million dollar museum and theatre complex in Te Awamutu.  

 

The project, estimated at $14.2 million,  will  showcase local heritage and culture and provide space for performing and visual arts.  The project is planned to begin in 2013.

 

The concept was designed by NZ architects, Warren and Mahoney following a design competition involving five of New Zealand’s top architectural firms.

 

It would be built on a Council-owned site opposite the existing Te Awamutu events centre,  adjacent to Selwyn Park.    Space currently occupied by the Museum in Bank St would be vacated and allow the existing Te Awamutu Library to expand.

 

 

 

 

 

The theatre will be a draw card for a full range  of national musical events, theatre presentations and will double as a conference centre.

 

 

For the project to proceed, the community will be required to raise a minimum of one-third of the total cost.   The benefits for the Te Awamutu community at large will be significant.  

FAQ's

Can the existing Museum and Library be extended to provide suitable space for both?   

The existing Museum building has not been designed for extension and would need to be rebuilt at significant cost to meet modern Museum and Library standards plus extended up and out  to cater for current space requirements.  It is unlikely that any external funding would be available for such a project.

Could the project proceed without external funding? 

No

When will ratepayers get to vote yes or no to the project?

When the next 10 year plan proposals are put up for public consultation in 2011, you will have the opportunity to have your say.

Why do we need a new Museum?

Te Awamutu Museum holds a wealth of local and national historical taonga.  It is one of few registered archival repositories in NZ,  yet has no suitable research space.   We currently hold a contract to deliver classes to school children - The contract is worth $250,000 over 3 years yet the Museum has no dedicated education space or access for disabled pupils.  The collection which is valued at over $40m, is unable to be stored appropriately due to lack of space and an unsuitable environment.  Exhibition space is very limited meaning most of the collection is unable to be displayed.