The ASB Waterfront Theatre will be Auckland’s new, state-of-the-art performing arts facility and is due to open at the end of September 2016. Sited adjacent to the ASB North Wharf building in the heart of the city’s innovation hub, Wynyard Quarter, the design comprises a 660-seat international-standard theatre, bar, café, a gallery space and a lounge.

Designed by Moller Architects and BVN Architecture, the purpose-built venue will be the home of the Auckland Theatre Company, helping it to reach wider audiences and providing a space for other domestic and international arts organisations to tour and showcase their work. The project has been led by architect Gordon Moller, who is also the chair of Auckland Theatre Company.

He explained: “The theatre is designed as a timber-lined, crucible-like space within a contemporary glass enclosure, which has extensive public spaces extending over three levels. This provides a strong urban interface within Wynyard Quarter. Extensive views of Viaduct Harbour and the inner city are enjoyed from the galleries and walkways surrounding the theatre space. The contemporary form and scale of the building, in glass, steel and timber, are designed to respect its context.”

The theatre will open with the Auckland Theatre Company’s production of Billy Elliot the Musical on 7 October.