Organisers of the proposed Wānaka Performance Arts and Cultural Centre project have identified six potential preferred sites for the proposed facility - a 500-seat performing arts theatre.

Plans include a smaller 120 seat rehearsal theatre/dance studio, and a visual arts gallery and foyer space to allow for functions and conferences. 

Wānaka Arts and Culture Charitable Trust (WACT) chair Michael Sidey said 13 sites within Wānaka had now been investigated, considering site ownership, legal status and zoning, size, prominence, access, proximity to restaurant and cafés, and more.

The top six sites identified were: Three Parks (two sites), A&P showgrounds, Lismore Park, Eely Point and Golf Course corner.

The group plans to present the identified sites to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in the New Year.

Golf Course corner

Michael told the Wānaka App the Golf Course corner site was in “very early stages but worth exploring”.

“The Golf Course site is a very exciting opportunity,” he said.

Trust chair Michael Sidey PHOTO: Supplied

“There are many factors to consider, not the least being the cost of the build and possibility of getting land access. But it is certainly in the top six site options and offers many location advantages.

He said the hillside location could provide the opportunity for underground carparks.

The facility, wherever it is located, would need access to around 100 parking spots.

“There are many factors to consider, not the least being the cost of the build and possibility of getting land access. But it is certainly in the top six site options and offers many location advantages.”

Wānaka Golf Club chair David Smallbone told the Wānaka App that he and Michael had had a chat about the idea in principle and agreed that “with a bit of vision we could get there”.

“We need to spend a lot of money on the club house or build another one, so it could be a particularly good ‘win win’ if it worked out.”

Next steps

Michael said WACT had been advised by deputy mayor Quentin Smith that there was no funding available in the long-term plan for the next three-year period, and they should target the three-year review in 2026.

“We have asked the QLDC to fund $30M over three years, plus subsidise operation expenses during the first five operating years, which is normal process for these projects. 

“We would like to begin our fundraising now and add to the funds already pledged,” Michael said, adding that “we do not have a project without QLDC support”.

“Hopefully they will be in a position to give us that confirmation before that time.”

Read more: $30M council funding sought for new Wānaka arts centre

“When the QLDC give their confirmed support, the trustees will begin to raise the funding balance from local benefactors, regional and national institutions. The latter will not support [the project] without local council commitment.”

The multi-purpose centre will primarily focus on the performing arts, including dance, drama, and music, but also facilitate the visual arts, film, digital media and other arts and cultural activities.

Trustees of the project are Alistair King, Mark Verbiest, Annis Somerville, Kirsty Hazledine, Allan Dippie, and Chris Hadfield. The patron is Lady Prue Wallis.