Hawkins appointed to build the new Court Theatre in the City

Christchurch City Council has appointed Hawkins to deliver the project in 2024. “We’re very pleased to be able to work alongside Hawkins as the main contractor to build this wonderful new facility, which will be at the heart of the Performing Arts Precinct,” says Mayor Phil Mauger.

“Hawkins is an experienced main contractor who can work effectively with the project team and deliver a new home for The Court Theatre where they can flourish and grow. It will be best theatre in New Zealand and it will bring Christchurch’s Performing Arts Precinct to life."

“Within an easy stroll people will be able to experience the performing arts at four fantastic venues – the Christchurch Town Hall, The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts, the restored Isaac Theatre Royal and The Court Theatre. Along with the prospective relocation of the Christchurch School of Music, this will really cement Christchurch as the cultural capital of the South Island, and help Christchurch on its path to becoming the events and sporting capital of New Zealand,” Mayor Mauger says.

The Council is committing $46 million towards the development of the Performing Arts Precinct, which includes the construction of The Court Theatre, the public realm and landscaping.

Our APPLAUSE campaign will fundraise a $10 million contribution for our new home.

“The early groundworks are already complete and that means Hawkins can hit the ground running in the last quarter of 2022,” Mayor Mauger says.

“All the aspects of a working theatre, such as set building, costume making and rehearsals, will be based on site – it’s always fascinating to look behind-the-scenes at the entire Court Theatre industry,”

“The process of creating a new home for The Court Theatre is a fascinating journey and we can’t wait to welcome all of Christchurch to join us when we open in 2024.”

The new three-storey building will include a 375-seat playhouse theatre, a 130-seat theatre, an education studio and a number of multipurpose spaces which will ensure a full range of theatre experiences are available for all ages of audiences, from all parts of our community. The front of house spaces will be welcoming with excellent hospitality offerings.

Take a closer look at the project with this video, watch here.

Oh what a night!

A huge thank you to those who were able to join us on Saturday 15 October for A Banquet to build the new Court Theatre. A fabulously generous crowd contributed over $200,000 for our new centre stage. Incredible.

Our master of ceremonies Robyn Malcolm left us all in no doubt as to why we all need theatre, both as the actor and the audience. The recreation of iconic Court performances by Jane Leonard, Amy Straker together with Cameron Douglas and Brady Peeti were phenomenal.

A wonderful day Flaxmere Garden in Hawarden enjoyed in good company is one not to miss.

The Friends of The Court Theatre will be on hand on the day with a Plant Auction with there will be an option for a gourmet treats available. Some interesting guest including our Director of Botanic Gardens and Garden Parks Wolfgang Bopp, his extremely accomplished wife Janet and Athol McCully who will form part of a panel discussion chaired by Julia Atkinson-Dunn.

All of this with music art and more in the exquisite setting of Penny's famous garden.

Sunday 20th November, Flaxmere Garden

10:00am - 4:00pm

$50

Children free

Tickets are on sale now!

Joining the APPLAUSE for the Court Theatre is a way to support of Christchurch’s ever-expanding cultural scene, and you are in great company. Below is a list of our supporters who have already set us on the way have achieved over $6 million of our target.

We offer these supporters our gratitude in supporting our nimble and mighty Court Theatre’s return to creating theatre in the heart of our city.

APPLAUSE leadership gifts so far:

HERO: Ben Gough Family Foundation, Kaupapa Hiranga Tahua Lottery Significant Projects Fund, Rātā Foundation, Sir Robert and Barbara, Lady Stewart, The Court Foundation, The Friends of The Court Theatre, The Ravenscar Trust.

LOVER: Catherine and David Boyer, Elizabeth Ball, Gabrielle Tasman and Ken Lawn, The Jones Family Trust (Murray and Sue Jones).

SAGE: Annie Bonifant and Richard Luisetti, Hall Cannon and Miles Refo, Robyn and the late Steve Richens, Ros and Philip Burdon.

CHORUS: Annabel and John Holland, Barbara George, Owen and Seb Novenski, Bea and Brian Stokes, Carla and Clark Martin, Fiona and Steven van der Pol, Jenny May and the late Julie King, Kaye and Neil McKenzie, Liz and Grant Lovell, Margaret Austin, Sandy and Clive Low, Tina Duncan.

Other anonymous donors are also part of the APPLAUSE.