Mystery surrounds exactly what is envisaged for a possible theatre or music performance space at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The prospect of a performing arts venue at the stadium as part of a potential hotel development there was raised by both a council staff member and Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins.
Negotiations were progressing well, the council said in a statement attributed to property services group manager Anna Nilsen.
Mr Hawkins yesterday referred to the possibility of private developers creating a venue that could support live music.
An industry source suggested a multi-use facility, or space suitable for conventions, could hold more appeal for a developer.
Detail about what might be planned has not yet been revealed.
Dunedin City Holdings Ltd chairman Keith Cooper, who has been prominent in trying to facilitate the hotel development, said he was bound by non-disclosure requirements.
The initial statement from Mr Hawkins prompted the Save Dunedin Live Music Group to offer assistance "in making the venue as useful and accessible as possible for the music community of Dunedin and Aotearoa".
"The introduction of any new performance space to Dunedin is a step in the right direction and we definitely would like to support and encourage investment in new venues by the council in the future," group spokesman David Bennett said.
However, the group had concerns about what the nature of the venue might be and where it might fit in the live music ecosystem of Dunedin.
The group was looking forward to receiving more information about the project, Mr Bennett said.
The possibility of private developers contributing performance venue space has emerged at the same time as the city council continues to grapple with how it might bring about better facilities for theatre.
One concept that has emerged is a joint proposal to upgrade the Mayfair, Athenaeum and Playhouse theatres.
Mr Bennett said if the stadium venue was going to be touted as a potential solution to the mid-sized theatre question, the community and industry should have a chance to raise concerns and offer feedback in the planning stage.
Mr Hawkins said money had remained in council budgets for development of a performing arts venue.
The council included $17 million in its 2021-31 long-term plan for a mid-sized theatre development.
"I think one of the issues here is that we’ve ended up conflating the needs of two very different industries, in live music and performing arts," Mr Hawkins said.
"That came through loud and clear last year when we were working through the 10-year plan.
"We need spaces to support artists and audiences of both, but I can’t see either of them being best served by a single solution."
Mr Hawkins said a venue at the stadium could "change the conversation we’ve been having about what the city’s needs are".
He described the situation as frustrating for a range of people.
"But we’re better off taking the time we need to make sure we make the best long-term decisions."
