H E R I T A G E
Arts Centre
update
WELL, IT’S ALMOST ‘CURTAIN CALL’ FOR THE CONSTRUCTION TEAM FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE.
T
he ‘star cast’ from ASPEC Construction led by Greg King at head office and Mark Rhynd on site, have gathered a really strong ‘chorus’ of over 50 contractors to deliver this landmark quality building on campus – on time and on budget. As construction draws to a close, the all-important finishing touches are underway. These include completion of the foyer façade, installation of feature timberwork to the foyer, laying of floor coverings, installation of kitchen equipment, commissioning of air-conditioning systems and of course delivery and install of the theatre seats!
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“The richness of the timber panels superbly blends acoustic resonance and reverberation with our aim of creating a truly memorable interior experience in the auditorium.” Architect Graham Upton of McIldowie Partners in association with Upton Architects Ltd
and to celebrate the performing arts as the signature building on campus.
The next phase is the fitout with the specialist theatre technicians who will supply and commission the resources for the wide range of events and productions planned in the new auditorium and its foyer. This will include the installation of the stage winch rigging system, the theatre lighting and mixing desk, the projection screen and projectors, the cyclorama, the loudspeaker and amplification system as well as the more traditional items such as the house curtains to the dress the stage.
There are so many people who have contributed to the process through preparation of the client brief, developing the design, obtaining resource consent, detailed documentation, building consent, cost control, project management and now is the conclusion and fitout phase. It has been a remarkable journey that could only have been achieved with the resounding support of the whole Diocesan School community on all aspects of the process.
The fitout phase requires about 10 weeks and will be largely overseen by Shand Shelton our highly regarded theatre consultants. This will be the closing phase for the team that have realised the aspiration for Diocesan School to have a place for assembly
There will be formal acknowledgment of all the support provided by the many generous donors through enduring statements around the building, as well as at the official opening, but it is appropriate to acknowledge Ian Goodall as Board member and chair of the
DIO TODAY
Campus Development Committee and Derek Nolan as a former Board member and member of the CDC who have provided countless hours of guidance and governance to the whole process for over 15 years – from the earliest concept drawings to completion of works on site. The ultimate goal is of course the handover to the girls of Dio. It is planned to allow a series of smaller lowkey events to occur in the new auditorium for kinks to be ironed out
