30 July 2013

Globe Theatre redevelopment reaches funding target

Tenders will be called for the redevelopment of the Globe Theatre following multiple generous donations.

The redevelopment of the Globe Theatre includes the addition of a café/bar and a 100 seat flat floor auditorium that will be used for performances, training and rehearsal space.

Recently, the Eastern and Central Community Trust announced a $100,000 donation, New Zealand Community Trust donated $50,000 and Infinity Trust donated $15,000. That is on top of last year’s $289,000 from Central Energy Trust and $500,000 from NZ Lotteries Community Facilities Fund.

In all $1.104 million has been raised from the various trusts and generous donations from members of the community coming on top of the funding committed by Palmerston North City Council to the project.

Last year, expressions of interests were sought from developers. Six made it through that process and next week they will be asked to tender for the build.

Palmerston North Mayor, Jono Naylor, says the donations are significant and are in recognition of the standing in which The Globe is held.

“We’re now at a stage that we can call for tenders for this exciting project which is the final piece of the cultural boulevard redevelopment that includes the Library, Te Manawa and the Rugby Museum.”

Globe Theatre Trust Board chairman, Stephen Fisher, says he’s extremely grateful for the donations.

“On behalf of the Globe and all our supporters I’d like to express our gratitude to the organisations that have supported us. Particularly, Council and Council staff who have helped prepare the funding applications.”

A requirement of Palmerston North City Council’s support of the project was for the Globe Theatre Trust Board to raise funds for the fit-out. Stephen Fisher says that to date they’ve raised $165,000.

“We aim to raise a further $100,000. Both the arts community and the wider community have been really supportive and we’ll be working with them to raise the necessary funds.”

Stephen Fisher anticipates construction will begin in spring and the facility will reopen in March or April 2014.

He says the Globe is working with regular users of the facility to ensure they have performance spaces during the reconstruction phase where possible.
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