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Confirmation that the Music Centre of Christchurch will soon begin construction of a new $12.5 million facility is a significant step forward in the development of the Christchurch Performing Arts Precinct, according to Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee.

Welcoming the start of construction, Minister Brownless stated “positive negotiations are continuing with the Court Theatre and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and we hope soon to be able to confirm these organisations will join the Music Centre of Christchurch in the precinct alongside the refurbished Isaac Theatre Royal.

“These great new performing arts facilities will be connected by a public open space and serviced by a new, privately-built car parking building.

“By bringing these groups together we are delivering the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan’s vision for the performing arts, catalysing development and recovery of the central city.

“Areas of public open space between the buildings will themselves be a venue for performance art, as well as a general gathering place.

“This will be a key component to be delivered by the Crown, connecting with other public spaces throughout the city’s core.”

The Performing Arts Precinct is being jointly led and delivered by the Crown and the Christchurch City Council, with Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel believing that the performing arts announcement is extremely important for the city’s recovery.

Mayor Dalziel explained “we lost much of the cultural fabric of our city in the earthquake and this announcement sees that not only restored, but also reinvigorated with the different venues coming together in the one place.

“I’m really pleased that we have managed to find a way to resolve the arrangements around the precinct and are now working jointly with the government on this exciting project.”

Christchurch City Council’s contribution under the cost sharing agreement will ensure the precinct is developed in a successful partnership.

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright has also welcomed the new Music Centre as the first step towards developing a Performing Arts Precinct in central Christchurch.

Wainwright added “we are delighted with this positive and collaborative development.

“The Performing Arts Precinct is a cornerstone of the central city’s blueprint for development. It will bring a renewed cultural life and heart to the central city.

“We know that Christchurch people value the arts more than ever. They are attending cultural events to feel part of their community as well as meeting their need to be entertained, distracted and uplifted.”

The Music Centre of Christchurch is on target to have its construction works underway before the end of the year, while the restored Isaac Theatre Royal is aiming to reopen in November.

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