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The New Zealand Government has announced that it will back plans for a new 1300-seat theatre in Hamilton, making a $12 million investment its Provincial Growth Fund.

The commitment towards the $74 million cost of the riverside performing arts centre takes the total raised to date by the Momentum Waikato Community Foundation to $69 million and allows construction preparations and the final fundraising push to get underway.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement during a visit to Hamilton last week, commenting “like many locals I have great memories of performances at the Founders Theatre. While it’s sad to have lost this venue, it’s fantastic to see a new plan developed.

“This is an exciting package for the region that will encourage tourism and ensure locals can enjoy the benefits of both home-grown and international cultural performances.

“The theatre will also be a base for Wintec’s performing arts degree, giving students on local training courses a great venue to learn in.

“With a shortage of visitor accommodation, the new hotel means people can stay longer in the Waikato to take in the Hamilton Gardens, Zoo, Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and Waiwhakareke National Heritage Park,” Jacinda Ardern said.

First proposed in 2017, construction of the theatre is expected to begin in early 2020 and take two years.

To be built on the former Hamilton Hotel site, the $73.9 million project will, when complete, offer a new 1300-seat theatre overlooking Waikato River featuring a large stage, orchestra pit, and public foyer.

Welcoming the funding commitment, Momentum Waikato Chair Leonard Gardner stated “our vision is for every kid in the Waikato to have the opportunity to ‘Share the Stage’ with the world’s best performers.

“The Waikato Regional Theatre will be an impressive state-of-the-art, world-class performance venue, the pride of Hamilton and the Waikato.

“The remarkable flexibility of its stage configurations, the crystal-clear acoustics and up-close sightlines of its auditorium will, however, just be the means to an end.

“What matters is the enchanting and enthralling experiences that will happen within and around the theatre.

“We will all be able to see fantastic international entertainment here on our doorstep, and our best performers will have the springboard they need to launch themselves out into the world."

Image shows the 2018 concept for the new theatre.

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