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Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa is hoping for a second extension to its building, with its teaching facilities currently “bursting at the seams”, according to board members.
The original building, a former KFC, was extended six years ago with the addition of an education wing that included two new studios. The education wing, which cost around $1.1m, opened in December, 2015.
Income from the classes that the education wing made possible is part of making the arts centre more financially sustainable.
Last month Estuary Arts Trust Board member Dr Michael Irwin and treasurer Philip Crow put their case for the planned new extension to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board at a Community Forum.
They told members that its art education courses are in demand with more than 7000 students per year taking courses there, and that its three teaching studios have reached capacity. One of those studios, Studio 3, which is part of the original building, can only fit eight people in it at a time.
The proposal to remedy this is in the early stages of development, but may include extending Studio 3 out over the adjacent deck and some of the grassed area beyond. The proposal would make it possible for 20-30 people to use the space.
The Estuary Trust Board estimates that a design concept will cost $45,000 plus GST and they are seeking this money in the form of a grant from the local board so they can progress their plan.
Local Board Chair Gary Brown says Council staff are getting in touch with the centre, as there are no plans to expand Council arts facilities at this time and, being Council-owned, Estuary Arts isn’t eligible for a grant.
“We encourage Estuary Arts to work with Council staff initially to come up with a way forward,” he says.
