St James Theatre Auckland: Government pledges $15 million to its restoration

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The view of the stage from the box seating, 2015.

The view of the stage from the box seating, 2015. Image: ArchitectureNow

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An ornate ceiling rose decorates the theatre above the stage, November 2020.

An ornate ceiling rose decorates the theatre above the stage, November 2020. Image: Save the St. James Theatre Auckland

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St James Theatre at night, 1966. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 786-A05-05.

St James Theatre at night, 1966. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 786-A05-05. Image: Norman Mellor Dubois, 1915-2005

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Queen Street, Auckland, in 1967. The St James Theatre on the left. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 895-A82886.

Queen Street, Auckland, in 1967. The St James Theatre on the left. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 895-A82886. Image: National Publicity Studios

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The St James Theatre complex in 2015. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1385-0211.

The St James Theatre complex in 2015. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1385-0211. Image: Matt Elliott

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The St James Theatre in 2016 while undergoing redevelopment. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1385-0419.

The St James Theatre in 2016 while undergoing redevelopment. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1385-0419. Image: Matt Elliott

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St James Theatre development, Lorne Street, in 2017. The familiar view of the boarded up rear of the theatre complex. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1458-047.

St James Theatre development, Lorne Street, in 2017. The familiar view of the boarded up rear of the theatre complex. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1458-047. Image: Andrew Pettengall

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3D section view of the St James through the SAP2000 analysis model.

3D section view of the St James through the SAP2000 analysis model. Image: Compusoft Engineering

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After eight years of campaigning to save the dilapidated historic theatre from demolition, Aucklanders might see this architectural jewel returned to its former glory to coincide with its 100-year anniversary.

The government has promised $15 million to help restore the St James Theatre, but there are caveats attached – the main catch is that Auckland Council must meet the government halfway by abiding to its $15m pledge made during Len Brown’s mayoralty. Brown was also the patron of the St James Saviours lobby group.

Additionally, the restoration must begin by the end of June 2024 and must meet funding conditions that will be developed through community consultation and meetings with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and manawhenua.

“[Taxpayers’] contribution towards the preservation of the St James Theatre will sit alongside funding from Auckland Council and the owner to support its restoration, so it can reopen for the wider public to enjoy again — concert experiences, stately décor and all,” said Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni.

The St James Theatre complex in 2015. Image courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1385-0211. Image:  Matt Elliott

When asked by a One News reporter how the government can justify spending this money now, Sepuloni said, “We shouldn’t forget the value that arts, culture and heritage bring. It is about sustainable careers in the arts sector as well and we all get to enjoy that. So, even when we are experiencing some challenging times, it’s important that we continue to invest in and focus on the arts.”

Auckland Councillor Mike Lee said of Auckland Council’s pledge, “All credit to the mayor [Wayne Brown] and the Council for maintaining that commitment, because they can see that St James in Queen Street is absolutely critical for the success of Queen Street.”

In a recent video posted by Youtube account ‘Once Upon a Rebuild’, current owner Steve Bilby is seen inside the once-grand theatre, which is now in an obvious state of disrepair – the result of 16 years of neglect through deferred maintenance.

The success of the campaign to preserve the treasured building is not only due to the support of the current government and Council but is largely due to lobby groups, such as the Save the St. James Facebook group and the campaigning of Green Party MP for Auckland Central Chlöe Swarbrick, among others.

The ornate theatre was designed by architect Henry Eli White in 1928 (White also designed Wellington’s St James Theatre) and it is a unique blend of traditional and Spanish-renaissance styles. Owner Steve Bilby has already been in touch with Anthony Matthews of Matthews & Matthews Architects about the upcoming restoration works. Matthews & Matthews specialise in heritage and architectural conservation works, and were the architects for the resource consent and initiation stages, demolition works, and seismic upgrading alongside structural engineers ECS Group.

It is hoped that restoration works to preserve the Category 1 listed heritage building can start next year, with a goal to complete works in time for its centennary in 2028.

Below watch the 2020 presentation ‘Auckland’s Greatest Theatre’ delivered by George Farrant, Priciple Heritage Advisor at Auckland Council to learn more:

ArchitectureNow has reporting on various St James Theatre developments since 2014. (See links below). It is our hope that this latest gesture from the Government and Council comes to fruition. You can read about the theatre’s history in the articles linked below:


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