Sir Howard Morrison Centre

Contact: Warren Harvey
Address:
1170 Fenton St
Rotorua

Banquet600
Classroom300
Cocktail1000
No. of Meeting Rooms7
Theatre1000
Work on seismic strengthening and refurbishment of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre is expected to start in the first half of 2019 following detailed design work now underway.

The category one heritage building had to be closed in November 2017 when a seismic assessment identified it was earthquake prone. This coincided with completion of a detailed business case for a refurbishment to optimise use of the venue, following community engagement and consultation.

Architects at Shand Shelton are now working on detailed design based on their concept design which was selected as the preferred option for the venue. Shand Shelton specialises in theatre design and has a track record of working in performing arts spaces and heritage buildings. Its design highlights the building’s original heritage features, includes strong use of wood and integrated, connected spaces with uniquely Rotorua stories.

The refurbishment will include:

• upgrade of the Concert Chamber to a flexible performance space able to seat 100 to 300 people
• upgrade and extension of the Civic Theatre to 1,000 seats
• general refurbishment of the main foyer, Banquet Room, and other spaces
• refurbishment of the building exterior, external landscaping and lighting

The revitalisation is expected to be completed mid-late 2020.

Sir Howard Morrison Centre 
Sir Howard Morrison Centre 
Sir Howard Morrison Centre