A $17 million contract to transform the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre has been awarded to Hawkins Construction with work due to start as early as next week.

Rotorua Lakes Council Group Operations manager, Jocelyn Mikaere, says there has been a great deal of work put in to ensure as much of the sub-contracting workforce as possible is local.

This has resulted in almost 80 per cent of the expected trade contracts providing jobs for locals.

Mikaere says it marks an exciting stage of what will be a transformational redevelopment.

'Over the next 18 months this project will deliver a building that showcases both the heritage and cultural identity here in Rotorua.

"We have a performance-ready community full of talented and amazingly gifted people and there is a real opportunity to grow and support a major new local industry that will create real economic development and growth.

"The centre will be restored and rejuvenated and we look forward to returning this taonga to our community. ”

Construction is expected to be finished by November 2021, followed by final fit-out and commissioning of the building.

An impression of the inside of the Civic Theatre. Image/Shand Shelton

The completed facility is expected to re-open about February 2022.

Hawkins General Manager Central, Peter McCawe, says his team is eager to get going.

'The Hawkins team are excited to begin construction on this project.

"Work starting on the site will be another important milestone and a positive signal for Rotorua's economy.

"This project will be a landmark for the city and one we are very proud to be part of.”

Once complete, the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre will have the only 1000-seat theatre in the Central North Island.

Additional facilities within the centre will include a flexible black box theatre seating up to 300 people, a warm and welcoming foyer, a new café, bar and courtyard area, and multi-purpose studios for workshops, rehearsals and recording.

Acoustics, air conditioning systems and theatre services will all be upgraded, the number of toilets will be increased and accessibility enhanced.

This project is supported by:
- NZ Lotteries
- Sir Owen Glenn
- Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust
- New Zealand Community Trust
- Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust
- Ngāti Whakaue Education Endowment Trust
- One Foundation

For more information about this and other key council infrastructure projects visit www.visiontoaction.nz.