October 2022

Waikato Regional Theatre – our legacy for future generations

After six years of planning and collaboration, construction of the landmark Waikato Regional Theatre is well underway. Fosters are extremely proud to be the lead contractor on the project.

Fosters CEO Leonard Gardner, formerly a member of the Momentum Waikato Community Foundation Board, has been closely involved in both the current development and the vision behind it.

“Back in 2016, when Founders Theatre had to be closed due to safety concerns, Hamilton City Council brought several groups together to find a solution,” says Leonard.

“As Momentum Waikato, we could see the new Theatre would bring transformational change for the region, advancing the cultural, social, and economic life of the city and surrounding areas for decades to come. It was an easy decision to get on board.”

Momentum engaged international theatre designers Charcoal Blue to assess the requirements for Hamilton and the Waikato for the next 30 years.

“We wanted expert input into finding the best location to activate CBD engagement, ensuring there was easy access to hospitality and transport,” continues Leonard.

“At the same time, Momentum felt it was important to have a governance structure to manage the project – and so the Waikato Regional Theatre Governance Panel was independently appointed to plan and manage the project.”

In 2019 the Waikato Regional Property Trust, who will ultimately own the Theatre, replaced the Theatre Governance Panel as the driver of the project.

Of 25 locations initially considered, the Hamilton Hotel site at the south end of Victoria Street was identified as the best spot.

With the first hotel built there in 1865 and the current one built in 1923, this site and the neighbouring Embassy Park, home to the world-famous Riff Raff statue, have long been a centre of hospitality and the arts.

Embracing that history, the new Theatre will retain the façade of the Hamilton Hotel, while heritage items and native timbers from within the old hotel will be re-used in the new building – and Riff Raff will return to his prime position outside.

Leonard notes that the Waikato Regional Theatre project is clearly aligned with Fosters’ purpose of ‘great communities through strong foundations’.

“The theatre presents a generational opportunity. Founders was built in the 1960s; this is our opportunity to build a world-class performing arts centre that will serve generations to come.

“It’s a project that has brought together several local groups, including central and local government, philanthropic organisations and private companies – all with a strong vision to lift the level of arts and cultural engagement in our region.

“The Theatre will be key to the growth of our city, the arts and cultural diversity in our region. We are both humbled and excited by the opportunity we have to play a significant role in building this legacy project.”

Construction of the Waikato Regional Theatre began in November 2021 with completion expected in 2024.