Performing arts centre leaping ahead

Hugh Stevenson, Secretary of the Aurora Trust, and HOD Music at Burnside High School.

Rapid progress is being made on construction of the Aurora Centre for the Performing Arts.

This unique project is the result of a joint venture between Burnside High School and the metropolitan community. The 700-seat theatre is due for completion in early October.

Hugh Stevenson, HOD Music at Burnside, and a key figure in the fundraising campaign says "it's an exciting time for us to see the building at this stage, after a long period of fundraising. The Aurora Centre will mean that we can now perform our large number of music events in a top class environment."

The School has put over $1.5 million into the project. The Christchurch City Council has also been a major contributor, giving $500,000 from metropolitan grants.

Seeding finance of $100,000 was established by the former Waimairi District Council 15 years ago.

Major grants or donations have also been received from The Community Trust, Lotteries, the Ministry of Education and the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board. Community fundraising under the leadership of Michael O'Regan has reached $450,000.

Community usage of the building is expected to be substantial, with many organisations already making bookings. Newly appointed manager of the Aurora Centre, Reima Goldsmith has said that the level of interest in the Centre is remarkable. Reima can be reached on phone 357-1603 or 358-0740.

A further donation has recently been received from the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board. This donation of $5,000 is to cover the cost of an information brochure about the Centre, outlining how people can access the new facility.

Energy is still going into the fundraising campaign. The Aurora Trust have a target of raising a further $100,000 during the construction phase of the building. Still unfunded are stage curtains, grand piano, kitchen fit-out, and a second set of theatre lights.

The Aurora Trust is close to completing an agreement with a group of major sponsors.

This is regularly updated, and includes pictures of the Centre.