Cambridge Town Hall welcomes new manager

W ork to boost the usage of the Cambridge Town Hall and freshen up its facilities will pick up the pace this year with the Cambridge Town Hall Charitable Trust announcing the appointment of its new general manager.

Simon Brew was welcomed to the role in early January and brings an impressive background in the arts and events sectors.

Trust chair Kirsty Johnson says the position was created to provide both strategic and operational leadership in the planning, development and delivery of the Trust’s vision, mission and strategic goals for the Cambridge Town Hall.

“The Cambridge Town Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in the Waikato and we want to see it used to its full potential. Simon’s role is absolutely critical to make the Town Hall relevant and fit for purpose for a range of bespoke events and gatherings,” she says.

“With Simon joining us, we’ll be able to maintain a strong strategic and community-led focus, have someone on the ground leading the capital works programme and driving our fundraising programme.

“We’re confident that with his background, Simon will help attract a range of exciting events to Cambridge in the short, medium and longer term,” she adds.

Born and bred in the Waikato, Brew is returning to his roots, relocating back to the Waikato after many years in Wellington and travelling further abroad as an award-winning saxophonist.

His most recent role was as senior manager of education and outreach for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Before this, he was the director of music for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and creative lead for the New Zealand Defence Force across numerous national and international WW100 commemorations.

Brew has been a contract player for, among other ensembles, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Netherlands National Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia and Netherlands Blazers Ensemble.

He has also toured New Zealand and internationally with chamber ensembles Saxcess, Tango Virtuosi, Four Baritones, and Trio Elan, which he says gives him an “intimate knowledge” of halls similar to the Cambridge Town Hall.

“One aspect that attracted me to this position was the fantastic building and its location. Whilst the Cambridge Town Hall itself may need some love and attention, I can see there is endless scope to build a creative and dynamic centre for all to enjoy,” Brew says.

He has performed in numerous festivals and countries including the Asia Pacific Music Festival in New Zealand, BBC Proms (Royal Albert Hall, UK), Taranaki Arts Festival, Brandenburgischen Sommerkonzerte (Berlin), Middleburg Kamermuziek Festival (Netherlands), Grachtenfestival (Amsterdam), Grenswerk Festival (Netherlands), International Youth Music Festival (Vienna), the 2006 North American Saxophone Conference (USA) and the 2012 World Saxophone Congress (Scotland).

“I am looking forward to being in Cambridge.

The role has both strategy and operational delivery within its scope and can influence the reinvigoration of the space. This is similar to roles I have previously enjoyed, so I’m looking forward to it, and collaborating with the community on this next phase.”

With Brew being in high demand for his work in strategic planning, community programmes, artistic direction and securing philanthropic support for projects, Johnson says she is “thrilled” to have secured him as general manager.

“I have the utmost confidence that Simon will be just the leader we need to build the Cambridge Town Hall’s capacity and capability to host a full range of bespoke local, regional and national events for many years to come,” she says.

“Simon has already hit the ground running, and the community will start to see work ramping up, now that we have his expertise on hand.”

Johnson says the Trust wants the Cambridge Town Hall to be a more appealing option for event organisers, corporate groups and community organisations.

“This means making the experience of hiring the Cambridge Town Hall easier so groups can turn up, have everything in place that they need, and leave again hassle-free. Basic things like WIFI, screens, projectors and other equipment and technology should also be available,” she explains.

“We also have a few urgent touch-ups and fixes to do. These are things such as curtains, wallpaper, walls, ceilings and other interior finishes. Obviously, any work needs to be carried out around existing bookings to ensure as little disruption as possible to events and Destination Cambridge.”

Larger works include kitchen upgrades in the main hall and Victoria rooms, a review of the sound equipment required, and repair work caused by previous leaks.

The Cambridge Town Hall Community Trust also plans to explore a liquor licence.

“We’re also in the process of reaching out to the relevant contractors to carry out seismic, electrical, health and safety, lighting and acoustic assessments.

READY, SET, GO!

A busy few months are ahead for Simon Brew and the wider Cambridge Town Hall Community Trust.

Plans are well underway to prioritise immediate improvements to meet the current needs and demands of those looking to hire the Cambridge Town Hall. The Trust’s vision is to transform it into a ‘get-in, get-out venue’.

“With this information in hand, we’ll then have a better understanding of the longer-term needs for the Cambridge Town Hall, and this will feed into our long-term strategy and action plan. It’s an exciting stage of the redevelopment project, and we’re looking forward to engaging with the community on our plans,” says Johnson.

She invites anyone with ideas on either immediate improvements or long-term improvements for the Cambridge Town Hall to realise its full potential to email Simon Brew at simon@cambridgetownhall.co.nz.