• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Located in Auckland’s innovation hub, Wynyard Quarter, the $36m project signifies a major milestone in Auckland and New Zealand theatre history. 

Comprising a 668-seat theatre, bar, café, gallery and events space, the ASB Waterfront Theatre is a purpose-built performing arts venue and the new home of Auckland Theatre Company (ATC). 

“This unique opportunity came about as a result of ASB’s move to the Wynyard Quarter, a place which supports innovative business and, like the theatre, is using smart technology. It started a whole series of discussions with partners and stakeholders, who were all excited by the idea of what a theatre might add to the life of the waterfront,” says Lester McGrath, General Manager, ATC. 

“Because the waterfront is a dynamic and desirable spot designed with people in mind – a go-to destination for Auckland – we felt it would showcase Auckland’s theatre and performing arts in a way which hasn’t been possible before,” says Mr McGrath.

Along with ATC, the ASB Waterfront Theatre is also the new home of two major site specific new public artworks commissioned especially for the theatre.

The first is an installation by one of the world’s foremost light artists, New York’s Leo Villareal. Commissioned by Edmiston Trust, Light Matrix is made up of 8,400 LED lights and shines over Halsey St. 

Internationally renowned, he has pioneered the use of light-emitting LEDs and computer-driven imagery to create significant light sculptures and site-specific architectural works. Villareal is regarded as one of the most prominent light sculptors of his generation. This is Villareal’s first major public commission in the Pacific.
 
The second is a carved pou by New Zealand artist, Professor Robert Jahnke, titled Pou Whakamaharatanga mo Maui tikitiki a Taranga. Standing 6.4m tall, the pou towers over the Logan Campbell Yard. Jahnke, who was commissioned by Waterfront Theatre Ltd, based the pou on the Maui tikitiki a Taranga narratives. It is made from corten steel and laminated totara. It serves as a focal point for powhiri and other ceremonial events at the theatre. 

Other artworks include a collection of work by prominent New Zealand visual artists, on loan from the Wallace Arts Trust, in the Villa Maria Gallery, and a dramatic red spiral staircase designed by architect Gordon Moller. Resembling a ribbon, the staircase is a moment of theatrical flair in the southern aspect of the building.

According to lead architect and Chair of ATC, Gordon Moller ONZM, “The vision for the theatre is of a timber crucible within a glass pavilion of public spaces and artworks, enlivening the surrounding streets and waterfront. It is our gift to Auckland – a place for theatre, drama, and future stories to be told, for generations to come.”

While a long-time dream for ATC, the ASB Waterfront Theatre also provides a space for other domestic and international arts organisations to tour and showcase their work.
ATC shows will be performed in the theatre 26 weeks a year, with the rest of the year set aside for hosting performances and events by outside hirers. 

The Foundation Partners of the ASB Waterfront Theatre are Auckland Council, ASB Bank and AUT. 

ASB Chief Executive Barbara Chapman says ASB is proud to be the naming rights sponsor of the state-of-the-art theatre and ATC’s exclusive principal partner.
 
“ASB’s partnership with ATC and the ASB Waterfront Theatre forms a key part of our long-held commitment to supporting the arts in New Zealand,” Ms Chapman says. “We’re particularly excited the new theatre is located alongside our head office, which will provide a world-class new artistic and creative hub for New Zealand in the heart of the Wynyard Quarter.”

Major funders include Creative New Zealand and Foundation North. The project funders are Edmiston Trust, The Lion Foundation and Lotto NZ. The Founding Corporate Partners are Kensington Swan and Villa Maria Estate, and Platinum Corporate Partners are Cooper and Company, ECC Limited and Moller Architects. Panuku Development Auckland and ATC are Project Partners.   

ATC is Auckland’s flagship professional theatre company. The ASB Waterfront Theatre not only provides ATC with a much-needed home, it will help ATC reach wider audiences. 

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister, Hon. Maggie Barry ONZM, says, “It is an outstanding facility where we can celebrate, promote and nurture the arts, and a platform for the diversity of Auckland voices to be heard,” Ms Barry says. “The new ASB Waterfront Theatre fosters appreciation and understanding of the arts, and acknowledges the role the arts plays in developing healthy and vibrant communities.”
 
The theatre will open its doors to the public this Saturday 24 September, for a free Family Open Day. Aucklanders and visitors to the city are invited to enjoy back stage tours by the much-loved White Face Crew, storytelling and performances. There will be face painting and activities for the kids, and the day will be hosted by NZ’s favourite comedian and TV presenter, Te Radar. 

ASB WATERFRONT THEATRE - QUICK FACTS

The ASB Waterfront Theatre is a new bespoke performing arts facility located in Auckland.

Located at 138 Halsey St, Wynyard Quarter, and comprising a 668-seat, state-of-the-art theatre, bar, café and gallery/events space, the ASB Waterfront Theatre is a purpose-built venue and the new home of Auckland Theatre Company (ATC). 

The ASB Waterfront Theatre is adjacent to the ASB North Wharf building in the heart of Auckland’s science and innovation precinct, the Wynyard Quarter.

The new ASB Waterfront Theatre is designed to serve the Auckland community in a number of ways. It provides Auckland with a much-needed mid-sized venue for theatre and dance, particularly.  It provides international touring companies with a large, world-standard and state-of-the-art theatre. It celebrates and promotes the arts in a central location. Furthermore, the ASB Waterfront Theatre is a platform for Auckland’s diverse stories to be told and many voices to be heard. 

SPONSORSHIPS AND PARTNERSHIPS

The capital project funds were raised by Auckland Theatre Company (ATC) on behalf of Waterfront Theatre Trust and Waterfront Theatre Limited.

The Foundation Partners of the ASB Waterfront Theatre are Auckland Council, ASB Bank and AUT. 

Major funders include Creative New Zealand and Foundation North. 

The project funders are the Edmiston Trust, The Lion Foundation and Lotto NZ. 

The Founding Corporate Partners are Kensington Swan and Villa Maria Estate, and Platinum Corporate Partners are Cooper and Company, ECC Limited, and Moller Architects. 

Panuku Development Auckland and Auckland Theatre Company are Project Partners.   

BUILDING AND DESIGN 

Site area: 1,848m2
Total floor area: 7,000m2
Project cost: $36 million (including specialist theatre equipment fit-out; furniture, fixtures and equipment; and fees)
Storeys: 7
Architect: Moller Architects and BVN Architecture in association
Construction: Hawkins
Project team: Gordon Moller, Terry St George, Joyce Dobbs, Jodie Moller, Michael von Collas, Brian Hall, James Grose, Brian Clohessy, Mitchell Cantlon 
Theatre design consultant: Brian Hall and John McKay
Structural engineer: BGT Structures 
M&E Engineer: eCubed
Landscape and siteworks: Opus 
Interiors: Moller Architects 
Lighting: eCubed
Façade Engineer: Mott McDonald 
Quantity Surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall 
Surveyor: Walker Surveyors 
Planning consultant: Barker Associates 
Fire consultant: Protech
Acoustics: Marshall Day Acoustics 
Vertical transportation: Vertrans 
Project managers: Mike Geale and Bruce Walker
Light Installation: Light Matrix, Leo Villareal
Sculpture: Pouwhakamaharatanga mo Maui tikitiki a Taranga, Professor Robert Jahnke

The building has been designed and built with the aim of achieving a five-star Green Rating. It will be the first five-star green rated theatre in the Southern Hemisphere. 

TRANSPORT AND PARKING

Patrons can take the hassle out of trying to find a car park before the Auckland Theatre Company production of Billy Elliot the Musical, presented by ASB. By exclusive arrangement with ASB, Auckland Theatre Company can offer ticket holders car parking in the Hamer Street carpark. Car parks can be pre-booked for the special introductory price of $8. 

Entry to and from this secure car park is via Hamer Street. An ASB Waterfront Theatre front of house team member will be onsite to scan pre-booked tickets at the entrance.

The Hamer Street car park is available from 6pm Monday to Friday, and from 2 hours prior to the show time on Saturdays and Sundays. The car park closes 45mins after the end of the performance.

Generally, there are around 2,500 car parks within approximately seven minutes walking speed. These are located around Wynyard Quarter, Auckland Viaduct and the CBD.

Carpark location                  Spaces     Distance     Time to Walk
Hamer St Car Park (ASB)      130            400m           5mins
Jellicoe Street Car Park         140            300m           3mins
Down Town Car Park            1922          750m           8mins
Fanshawe Street Car Park    509            900m           11mins

SEATING

There are 668-seats in total. The actual number of available seats may differ depending on the show and subsequent staging requirements. 

There are four wheelchair seats, around 20 easy-access (i.e. no steps and a hearing loop) seats. Entry for people in a wheelchair or people with a disability is via the main entrance and lift. 

ASB WATERFRONT THEATRE CAFÉ

The ASB Waterfront Theatre Café will be open daily for breakfast and lunch, coffee and snacks from 7am to 5pm (9am – 4pm public holidays).

Villa Maria Estate is the exclusive wine provider for the ASB Waterfront Theatre. Beverages can be consumed in the theatre in provided plastic cups.

For the entire season of the ATC production of Billy Elliot the Musical, presented by ASB, a pre- and post-theatre menu designed by celebrity NZ chef Peter Gordon menu will be available (7 October – 27 November). The dishes have been selected from Savour: Salads for all Seasons by Peter Gordon.

The Cafe offers free WiFi provided by Vodafone.

BOX OFFICE

The ATC Box Office and events team is now based at the ASB Waterfront Theatre. 

The administration staff and rehearsal spaces are still located at the Auckland Theatre Company head office in Balmoral (487 Dominion Rd).

Box Office information:

Phone: 09 309 3395

Email: boxoffice@atc.co.nz

Box office hours: 
Standard Hours: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday; 10am to 3pm Saturday
Show Time Hours: 90 minutes prior to show time.

ABOUT ASB NORTH WHARF

ASB North Wharf led the urban regeneration of Wynyard Quarter when it was built in 2013. 

Sitting alongside the ASB Waterfront Theatre, the Auckland corporate headquarters for ASB is one of the most advanced commercial office buildings of its type in Australasia. Inspired by ASB’s progressive workplace culture, it was the first commercial building in New Zealand to incorporate Activity Based Working (ABW) principles into the design process. Innovative work space design combined with the latest technologies empowers ASB’s people to approach work in a more agile and personalised way.
 
Architecturally designed by BVN Donovan Hill in association with Jasmax, ASB North Wharf cuts a striking profile along the waterline.  The building itself is designed to support up to 1950 people, and spans 18,000 square metres over seven floors, with a floor plate of up to 3,700 square metres.

ASB North Wharf also has a 5-star New Zealand Green Building Council rating thanks to rain water harvesting coupled with water efficient fittings, a high performance façade with an external sunscreen for solar control, and operable windows that can be opened for natural airflow.