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The Q starts moving forward

Bridging the gap: Q Theatre aims to fill the current gap in venue mix and will be the first medium-sized theatre in Auckland city.

From City Scene, published on 8 November, 2009.

Last Wednesday, a dawn ceremony marked one of the first steps in preparing for the construction of Q Theatre in the CBD. The event - which took place at the site of the theatre - included a karakia to bless the land. It was attended by members of the theatre industry, Ngati Whatua o Orakei representatives, and past and present council members - including Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks, who spoke at the ceremony.

When completed, Q Theatre will become an integral part of Auckland's theatre and events scene, catering to mid-sized audiences of between 350 and 450 people. Its frontage will be located at 305 Queen Street, next to the Auckland Town Hall, and it will stretch back to Greys Avenue. Construction is due to start in December, and the project is expected to be completed by 2012.

"There's a gap in the Auckland market for a flexible mid-sized venue, and I have no doubt Q Theatre will fill it" says Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

"There are lots of theatres and clubs that can hold about 100 people for a show. And there are larger facilities at The Edge^®, like The Civic and the Aotea Centre, as well as Vector Arena. However, if you want to put on a show for a few hundred people in a professional venue designed for hosting theatre and dance productions, options are limited."

"Q Theatre will be custom-built to suit these needs and it's located right in the middle of the Aotea Quarter, surrounded by other leading Auckland venues. For performers and production crews, it will be fully fitted with the tools to stage a world-class performance. For audiences, it's going to be a great, modern venue to enjoy the arts."

Auckland City Council is the foundation partner of Q Theatre and has committed the land and buildings to the project, as well as a capital contribution of $9.6 million and ongoing operational support.

For more information about the plans for the venue, visit Qtheatre.