The Government has committed to doing its part to support the restoration and revival of Tฤmaki Makaurau Aucklandโs much loved, nationally significant, and historic St James Theatre, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today.
โAfter being closed for the last 15 years, our Governmentโs contribution towards the preservation of the St James Theatre will sit alongside funding from the Auckland Council and the owner to support its restoration so that it can reopen for the wider public to enjoy again โ concert experiences, stately dรฉcor and all,โ Carmel Sepuloni said.
โSuccessive Governments have signalled their support for the project, but Iโm pleased that weโre able to finally get this contribution across the line, to help save this important piece of cultural and national heritage.
โWeโll now be engaging with the strong community around the Theatre, including Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and mana whenua, to develop funding conditions around the Governmentโs investment.
โBuilt in 1928, the St James Theatre is a staple of Aucklandโs arts precinct. It was where Sir Howard Morrison premiered โWhakaaria Maiโ, his Te Reo Mฤori version of โHow Great Thou Art,โ in 1981, and Queen Elizabeth II attended performances and events there three times during her reign.
โThe St James Theatre is a place of outstanding historical and cultural heritage significance. Our Governmentโs contribution to support the restoration of the Theatre underlines not only the importance of protecting our heritage buildings, but the significance of the theatreโs place in our history.
โOur Governmentโs contribution will match and is contingent on a pledge of $15 million from Auckland Council, as well as other funding conditions that will be developed following community engagement. Mayor Wayne Brown has provided me with his assurance that the Councilโs commitment still stands.
โIt goes without saying, Auckland has been through a lot in recent times, but I hope that our Governmentโs support towards the St James as part of the arts precinct, will help keep the heartbeat of the city centre alive.
โI want to acknowledge the longstanding support the Theatre has had and the various ongoing campaigns to preserve the St James. It proves that communities across Aotearoa New Zealand value this taonga of live performance and cultural heritage and are eager to see it saved,โ Carmel Sepuloni said.
The Government has agreed to make a conditional contribution of $15 million towards the conservation of the St James Theatre.
The St James Theatre is considered nationally significant as one of the best-preserved vaudeville theatres in Aotearoa and is a Category 1 listed building by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.