Council boost for St James Theatre restoration 

The restoration of Queen Street’s St James Theatre in Auckland has taken a major step forward with Auckland Council’s Finance and Performance committee committing in principle to make a conditional contribution of up to $15 million towards it.

This follows the purchase late last year of the old theatre and the surrounding land by Li family interests.

The new owners announced through Relianz Holdings and Steve Bielby of the Auckland Notable Properties Trust, that the theatre would be retained and restored and that a multi-story apartment block and commercial activities would be developed on the rest of the land.

The council sees continued public access to the theatre for the enjoyment of its historic character as a fundamental condition of its grant.

It is estimated that $60 million all up will be needed for the restoration and the rest is expected to come from the building’s owner, central government, philanthropic organisations and others.

Built in 1928, the St James was originally designed for vaudeville acts. Its architect Henry Eli White also designed the St James Theatre in Wellington.

It closed in 2007 because of safety concerns. After the theatre and adjacent land was purchased in 2014, a café opened in the foyer and several performance events have been held while restoration continues.

The council’s funding is subject to legal and governance conditions being met.

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