A $140,000 feasibility study is planned to evaluate the viability of a proposed new arts and cultural centre for Wānaka.

Wānaka Arts and Cultural Centre Trust (WACT) chair Michael Sidey said the trust is seeking community funding to conduct the study after an opportunity to build a modern facility for art and culture in Wānaka was identified by people active in the arts sector district-wide.

The study will identify the regional community needs in arts activities, recommend facilities to meet those needs, calculate costs to build, and advise the operational costs to run it for the first five years. 

“If it concludes that the proposed centre is sustainable [it] will give us the confidence to proceed to concept drawings, site selection and the capital fund raise”, he said.

The primary use of the proposed centre is for theatre and performing arts but it could also be a venue for visual arts exhibitions, conferences, trades shows, banquets and so on.

The Lake Wānaka Centre is Wānaka’s primary arts and exhibition venue but is limited by its size and technical capabilities. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“The study will form a strong foundation for proceeding with the project (provided it shows the centre is economically viable for the long term), and its analysis and recommendations will help guide the centre’s development in future stages,” Michael said.

Horwath HTL, a business events industry consultancy, has been selected to conduct the study. 

The company has been directed to consider a number of features desired in the centre, including a dedicated theatre/auditorium with quality acoustics and technical capabilities, fixed tiered seating, rehearsal rooms, a sprung dance floor and an orchestra pit which can be raised to extend the stage.

“We hope to have the recommendations back from Horwath’s by August 2022,” Michael said.

The proposed new purpose-built facility would “supersede” Wānaka’s current main performing arts venue, the Lake Wānaka Centre (LWC), he said. 

He said the LWC is restricted to audiences of 350 for seated events; its stage, orchestra pit and backstage facilities are inadequate for larger productions; and its technical capabilities are limited.

While the LWC does not need replacing, Michael said, it cannot be upgraded to achieve the trust’s objectives which is to create a purpose built arts and cultural facility in Wānaka to serve the whole district. 

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has allocated $52M in its 10 year plan plus an additional $6M for performing arts infrastructure and has “advised that proportional funding is not off the table”, he said. 

Last year, WACT canvassed locals involved in arts and cultural activities specifically about a new centre: “Wānaka has many talented people experienced in the arts supportive of the proposal and this gave us the confidence to proceed to a financial feasibility study,” Michael said. 

WACT trustees have already contributed approx $50,000 towards this study and propose forming a Feasibility Club (FC) to encourage more people to donate to the cause. 

“We all know this [study] does not guarantee a building but it is our best effort and insurance to make sure we make the right decision based on all available information for the Wānaka community and Queenstown Lakes region,” Michael said.

“The FC members will be acknowledged in the completed facility as the early stage supporters group. The minimum contribution to be recognised is $1,000,” he said.

Anyone wishing to make a tax deductible donation can direct credit to the Lake Wānaka Arts and Culture Charitable Trust bank account 02 0673 0159999 000. For further information please contact Michael at [email protected].