Dunedin Theatre Network

100 King Edward Street, Dunedin South

Ownership

Mayfair Theatre Charitable Trust

Cost Estimate

$21.5 million based on updated figures from the 2017 feasibility report. This figure includes fit-out, compliance work and professional fees.

Description

Originally named the King Edward Picture Theatre, the Mayfair was built in 1914 and is one of the oldest surviving picture houses in New Zealand. Like the Playhouse, the Mayfair was converted for use as a theatre in the 1960s.  Originally the building was owned and operated by the Dunedin Opera Company. Ownership passed to the Mayfair Theatre Charitable Trust in 2014.  The building is Category 2 registered with Heritage New Zealand and protected in the District Plan.

Current Use

The Mayfair is one of Dunedin’s largest community performance venues, and the city’s second largest proscenium arch theatre (after the Regent). The theatre is hired by a range of professional and community groups, including Opera Otago, Musical Theatre Dunedin, Taieri Musical Society, touring companies and festival performances. It has also hosted high school musical productions.

Building condition and challenges

The Mayfair is in a moderately poor considtion and does not meet modern standards. With a lack of investment over many years, the theatre is not a comfortable environment for performers and audience members alike. Accessibility around the theatre is poor and theatre technologies are becoming obsolete and require replacement. According to a recent Detailed Seismic Assessment, the building is 80% NBS and therefore not earthquake-prone.

Status of Refurb Planning

A feasibility study was completedin 2008 and updated in 2017. This feasibility produced a costed programme of work required to bring the building up to modern standards while retaining key heritage features. Since the completion of this feasibility work, the Mayfair have been working with Origin Consultants on a refurbishment of the building’s front of house, including new toilets, a lift, reusing the shop-front area and improving accessibility.