The Christchurch Town Hall
To purchase tickets for events and concerts click here official site .
Which was opened in 1972, and was regarded as one of New Zealand's premier performing arts centres. was opened on 30 September by the Governor General, Sir Denis Blundell.
Most people growing up in Christchurch would have had some interaction to the town hall whether it be from school outings or concert going’s.
It had a 2,500 seat auditorium known for its acoustics and the 1,000 seat James Hay Theatre used for concerts and shows.
Located in the center of the city just next to the Avon River with a commanding view of Victoria Square. As a result of the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake the Christchurch Town Hall was closed until March 2019.
It was chosen to restore the building after the quake although amongst some controversy due to cost over runs and poor project management.
Original budget voted on was $127.5 million half of which had to be paid for by rate payers it was reported in 2018 as having a blowout to $167.2 million, the project was completed about a year later than expected.
(original cost to build back in 1972 was about $4 million $ 51 million today)
In 2019 Audit New Zealand recommended that an external, independent review of the Town Hall project management needs to be undertaken. Audit New Zealand’says the project was “beset with some significant issues’’.
Part of the reason to restore rather than pull down was that this town hall had a special music association renowned for its good acoustics. Rated by the Guardian as being in the top 10 world’s best concert halls in its day.
This was due to its revolutionary design using wooden panels on the walls to ceiling “Designed by prominent Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney.
The town hall is now host to many events with almost a full calendar for the people of Christchurch to enjoy .
With the reopening of the Christchurch Town Hall the city will see an increase in performers coming to the great city due to it's fantastic offering of the Douglas Lilburn Auditourm and James Hay Theatre.
Ensure you purchase tickets from the official site below.
To find the official event and concert ticket provider click here
