Work on ‘transformational project' begins
Earthmovers are beginning to set the stage for the $47.2million Theatre Royal and museum redevelopment project.
Paul Smith Earthmoving began work last week to demolish the structures that are being upgraded and replaced in preparation to build the laneway and museum aspect of the project.
In a statement, Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen said it was good to see the physical works begin.
"We've been too long without a theatre and have missed out on so many events and shows coming to town, so it's fantastic to see this transformational project kick off.
"It wasn't great to see all the things we've missed out on the past few years for the lack of a good venue to host them.
"The recent Six60 Grassroots tour was in theatres of our size in provincial towns throughout the country, we've not had a visit from the 7 Days crew in years, and everyone misses the major shows from the Drama League after the amazing Beauty and the Beast in 2018.
"Carols by Candlelight always filled the auditorium with light and song, proud parents shared their kids' achievements at the ARA graduation, and I think nearly every kid in the district has been on stage with Jump Jam over the years."
The lack of a large theatre meant Timaru had not even been in the running for many travelling shows, he said.
"The comedian Bill Bailey is playing in Oamaru in November, which could have easily been in Timaru, and Jimmy Carr is playing an 11-stop tour of New Zealand in places of similar size to us.
"The project isn't just to breathe life back into the theatre and bring it back to what it was.
"It's to modernise the venue and put an operating model in place to aggressively market the venue and bring shows to Timaru, so we can all benefit from the cultural and economic boost that brings."
Project director Paul Haggath of Team Projects Advisory said the start of the demolition works was a major milestone for the theatre and museum redevelopment.
"It has taken a lot of hard work from the whole project team to reshape the project to a point where we can now start the physical works, and it is great to see the project now moving forwards with pace."
Paul Smith Earthmoving projects manager Murray Beeby said the company was delighted to be involved in the project.
"We have watched its progress over the past few years and relish the opportunity to play our part in the redevelopment of what will be a central focus point for the Timaru community."
The demolition work will continue through to early September, and once complete, the next stage of the project is the civil and earthworks.
A project hub for the theatre, which will offer the latest designs and behind-the-scenes information from the project, will be launched soon on the Timaru District Council website.
— Allied Media
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Scoop
The Rocky Horror Show Returns After 15 Years
Press Release – Sandra Roberts Get ready, New Zealand – the world's sexiest and most outrageous musical is back, and it's bigger, bolder, and brasher than ever! After 15 years away, The Rocky Horror Show is making its long-awaited return, direct from the UK and starring a phenomenal West End cast. This isn't just a musical – it's a wild, glitter-soaked party! So dust off your corset, strap on your heels, and get ready to Time Warp like it's 1973. It's the kind of night where you can dress up, shout out, let loose, and unapologetically be your fabulous self. Written 50 years ago by our very own national treasure Richard O'Brien, The Rocky Horror Show has thrilled over 35 million theatregoers worldwide, has been performed in 30 countries, translated into 20 languages and is the longest continuously running contemporary musical in the world. This spectacular tour is produced by global entertainment companies Trafalgar Theatre Productions and GMG Productions, renowned for bringing high-calibre international productions to the Asia Pacific – including recent New Zealand smash hits The Play That Goes Wrong, Madagascar The Musical, and Beauty and the Beast. Auckland – The Civic | 26 Feb – 8 Mar | Ticketmaster Christchurch – Isaac Theatre Royal | 11 – 15 Mar | Ticketek Wellington – St James Theatre | 18 – 29 Mar | Ticketmaster 15 years away. One unforgettable return. The Rocky Horror Show follows two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet – who, by a twist of fate, find themselves stranded outside a mysterious mansion. Inside awaits the fabulous and flamboyant Dr Frank'n'Furter, and a wild adventure full of fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, this high-energy stage spectacular features all the iconic songs you know and love – Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and the pelvic-thrusting, showstopping Time Warp. 'What a great joy it is to have the world's favourite rock and roll, rainbow musical, right back where it gestated. Break out the fishnets,' says creator Richard O'Brien. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a Rocky virgin, this is your invitation to the wildest night at the theatre. Dress up, shout out, and join the celebration – this is your chance to do the Time Warp again! Running Time: 2 hours (including interval)
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Scoop
The Rocky Horror Show Returns After 15 Years
Get ready, New Zealand – the world's sexiest and most outrageous musical is back, and it's bigger, bolder, and brasher than ever! After 15 years away, The Rocky Horror Show is making its long-awaited return, direct from the UK and starring a phenomenal West End cast. This isn't just a musical – it's a wild, glitter-soaked party! So dust off your corset, strap on your heels, and get ready to Time Warp like it's 1973. It's the kind of night where you can dress up, shout out, let loose, and unapologetically be your fabulous self. Written 50 years ago by our very own national treasure Richard O'Brien, The Rocky Horror Show has thrilled over 35 million theatregoers worldwide, has been performed in 30 countries, translated into 20 languages and is the longest continuously running contemporary musical in the world. This spectacular tour is produced by global entertainment companies Trafalgar Theatre Productions and GMG Productions, renowned for bringing high-calibre international productions to the Asia Pacific – including recent New Zealand smash hits The Play That Goes Wrong, Madagascar The Musical, and Beauty and the Beast. Auckland – The Civic | 26 Feb – 8 Mar | Ticketmaster Christchurch – Isaac Theatre Royal | 11 – 15 Mar | Ticketek Wellington – St James Theatre | 18 – 29 Mar | Ticketmaster 15 years away. One unforgettable return. The Rocky Horror Show follows two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet – who, by a twist of fate, find themselves stranded outside a mysterious mansion. Inside awaits the fabulous and flamboyant Dr Frank'n'Furter, and a wild adventure full of fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, this high-energy stage spectacular features all the iconic songs you know and love – Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and the pelvic-thrusting, showstopping Time Warp. 'What a great joy it is to have the world's favourite rock and roll, rainbow musical, right back where it gestated. Break out the fishnets,' says creator Richard O'Brien. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a Rocky virgin, this is your invitation to the wildest night at the theatre. Dress up, shout out, and join the celebration – this is your chance to do the Time Warp again! Running Time: 2 hours (including interval)
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Work on ‘transformational project' begins
Preparing to begin work on the Theatre Royal and museum redevelopment project are (from left) Chris Greenfield (DLA Architects), Joshua Newlove (NB Architects), Peter Beck, Murray Beeby (Paul Smith Earthmoving), Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen, Brent Whyte (Paul Smith Earthmoving) and Matt Sisson (Timaru District Council). PHOTO: SUPPLIED Earthmovers are beginning to set the stage for the $47.2million Theatre Royal and museum redevelopment project. Paul Smith Earthmoving began work last week to demolish the structures that are being upgraded and replaced in preparation to build the laneway and museum aspect of the project. In a statement, Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen said it was good to see the physical works begin. "We've been too long without a theatre and have missed out on so many events and shows coming to town, so it's fantastic to see this transformational project kick off. "It wasn't great to see all the things we've missed out on the past few years for the lack of a good venue to host them. "The recent Six60 Grassroots tour was in theatres of our size in provincial towns throughout the country, we've not had a visit from the 7 Days crew in years, and everyone misses the major shows from the Drama League after the amazing Beauty and the Beast in 2018. "Carols by Candlelight always filled the auditorium with light and song, proud parents shared their kids' achievements at the ARA graduation, and I think nearly every kid in the district has been on stage with Jump Jam over the years." The lack of a large theatre meant Timaru had not even been in the running for many travelling shows, he said. "The comedian Bill Bailey is playing in Oamaru in November, which could have easily been in Timaru, and Jimmy Carr is playing an 11-stop tour of New Zealand in places of similar size to us. "The project isn't just to breathe life back into the theatre and bring it back to what it was. "It's to modernise the venue and put an operating model in place to aggressively market the venue and bring shows to Timaru, so we can all benefit from the cultural and economic boost that brings." Project director Paul Haggath of Team Projects Advisory said the start of the demolition works was a major milestone for the theatre and museum redevelopment. "It has taken a lot of hard work from the whole project team to reshape the project to a point where we can now start the physical works, and it is great to see the project now moving forwards with pace." Paul Smith Earthmoving projects manager Murray Beeby said the company was delighted to be involved in the project. "We have watched its progress over the past few years and relish the opportunity to play our part in the redevelopment of what will be a central focus point for the Timaru community." The demolition work will continue through to early September, and once complete, the next stage of the project is the civil and earthworks. A project hub for the theatre, which will offer the latest designs and behind-the-scenes information from the project, will be launched soon on the Timaru District Council website. — Allied Media
