Next steps in Founders process to be discussed

A report to Hamilton City Council's monthly meeting this week will outline the possible next steps to determine the future of Founders Theatre.

The theatre was closed in February due to concerns over the safety of its flying system. A subsequent independent assessment by engineering firm Dunning Thornton has also confirmed the building requires strengthening work, with the "most critical areas of weakness" being the roof structures of the auditorium and the stage house.

A public consultation process through May and June asked for community feedback on three options for the theatre - to refurbish the existing theatre, to build a new theatre, or to demolish the existing theatre and not have a performing arts facility of that kind.

Sean Murray, Executive Director of H3, says Thursday's report to Council will outline the feedback from the community, which was encouraging and shows the strength of interest in the theatre situation.

The Council received 2279 submissions during the consultation processes, including feedback from stakeholder organisations such as Creative Waikato, University of Waikato, Hamilton Operatic Society, Orchestras Central and other performing arts groups.

"The submissions showed overwhelming support for a performing arts facility in the city," Mr Murray says. "The community has made it clear it wants to see a decision and some action on this matter."

The submissions process was also complemented by a telephone survey of 1600 residents in the region – 1000 from Hamilton and 600 from the neighbouring Waipa, Matamata-Piako and Waikato districts.

"The feedback from the community and our stakeholders has been really robust: we had a range of commentary from our varied respondents and we consider that to be tangible and authoritative reflection of public opinion," Mr Murray says.

Mr Murray says the submission process was a vital step to determining the future of the theatre and what any final outcomes for the city will be.

One encouraging development to emerge during the submissions process, and a new option, has been an approach by Momentum Waikato to lead a project which would see the design and construction of a brand new theatre.

"Momentum Waikato has also signalled it would contribute up to $25 million in funding toward a 'new build' theatre," Mr Murray says. "But there would be a lot to work through if that was pursued, including the forming of an advisory panel to explore how it would work."

Mr Murray says should either of the two "new build" options be pursued, the Council will need to undertake a second round of public consultations due to the significant financial ramifications.

Thursday's Council meeting starts at 1.30pm and will be livestreamed via the Council's website.

hamilton.govt.nz/founders