Submission
9 year plan feedback
Should we remove 231 Stuart Street (formerly the Fortune Theatre) from the list of strategic assets in the DCC Significance and Engagement policy?
Yes, remove 231 Stuart Street from the list of strategic assets (this is our preferred option)
Do you have any comments about 231 Stuart Street?
The building has not been used for 7 years. Remove from the Strategic asset list and sell. Heritage buildings need to be used so that they survive.
Should we charge an entry fee of $20 (incl. GST) for international visitors aged 16 and over, at Toitū and Dunedin Public Art Gallery?
Do you have any comments about the entry fee for international visitors?
maybe $10 is more reasonable
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
The Mayfair Theatre Charitable Trust acknowledges that the $17 million previously set aside for performing arts venue is no longer in the current long-term plan, and we fully understand the reasons why this has been removed.
The Mayfair Theatre Charitable Trust (MTCT) has been the grateful recipient of a grant from the Council as part of the informal Dunedin Theatre Network, which was given so that three heritage buildings may further examine the possibilities for renovation, so that they may continue to provide venues for the performing arts in Dunedin/Otago. To the $33,000 that was the Mayfair’s share, the MTCT added another $35,000 which enabled structural assessment and solutions for any structural deficiencies. This gave us refined concept drawings, structural concepts and costings for this work.
It was my understanding that this was to be presented to councilors at a workshop, to enable councilors to fully understand the proposals for each of the venue, to facilitate their further discussion, but unfortunately this workshop did not take place.
Prior to these being presented to councilors, DCC staff were keen to demonstrate a consensus, with a letter of recommendation for councilors from the “Performing Arts Group” (DTN plus Stage South). I was unable to attend the final meeting for this due to family commitments, and only was made aware of the letter when I was copied into the email sent to DCC staff. This letter has then become the basis for the staff recommendation to councilors. It can not be a consensus if the Mayfair was not involved in its production.
It goes without saying, that the Mayfair Theatre Charitable Trust does not agree with the conclusions made in the letter, or the subsequent report to Councilors.
The MTCT believes that the Mayfair has still got potential as the much needed 400 seat theatre, a role it has been performing for the last 60 years. It is very much a valid alternative to a new build, as it is just over one third of the cost. As it seems, for now, that all the money must come from the community and private donations, then the much smaller target is a much more reasonable option.
While we see some merit in the Atheneum proposal, we believe the Mayfair should be the priority building to look at first, simply because its 400-seat capacity cannot be met by either the Playhouse or the Atheneum.
It has been made clear that council support will be an important factor in any fund-raising exercise, so the MTCT would like to ask councilors for their support in any way possible (I know – no money) so that the Mayfair can continue to be Dunedin’s 400-seat theatre.
Local Water Done Well feedback
Which water services delivery model do you support?
Why did you choose this option?
Do you have any other feedback related to the proposed water services delivery models?
Supporting information
No associated documents with this submission.
Submitter
Submission id number: 1131604
Submitter name:
Geoff Patton
Organisation
Mayfair Theatre Charitable Trust