Ōtaki Civic Theatre seismic strengthening
We’re managing our property portfolio by strengthening the Ōtaki Civic Theatre so the heritage building can better withstand a potential future earthquake.
Background
The theatre has high local heritage significance, value to the Kāpiti Coast community and as place of public gathering it is important the building can withstand a strong shake.
Over the coming 10 months, work to seismically strengthen the existing theatre structure, while maintaining its integrity and character as an Art Moderne building, will be completed.
During the work the building’s accessibility will also be improved and a new accessible bathroom installed.
The estimated value of the project including construction and professional fees is $3.5m. Work will be completed by February 2026.
This project follows the refurbishment work co-funded by the Provincial Growth Fund through its COVID19 response and completed in 2021.
Kia Maumaharatia Mural
The Kia Maumaharatia mural is recognised as part of the living heritage of the building so, during construction the mural will be covered. We are planning to reinstate it when we finish the seismic work.
History
The Civic Theatre in Otaki is a place of high local heritage significance, which is recognised by its scheduling in the District Plan, item B116, and a wide level of interest in the local community.
The present Civic Theatre was built in 1938. It was constructed as a purpose-built live theatre and retains that use today, although it was also used to screen movies, from its very early days up until the early 1990s (this mixed use was fairly common in the era). Ownership was taken over by the Otaki Borough Council in 1955, and the building has been leased ever since by the council and its descendant organisation (Kāpiti Coast District Council), to various theatre and community groups.
The Ōtaki Players have been a tenant of the theatre since 1991. The theatre is also used annually for the Māoriland Film Festival in agreement with the Ōtaki Players.