The place that houses drama, passion and other community endeavours in Greytown, Studio 73 needs a significant upgrade, which could be on the table as soon as next year.
After the previous home was marked as earthquake-prone, and deemed be too costly to strengthen, the Greytown Little Theatre [GLT] began searching for another home.
Initial plans to build a replacement theatre in West St were thwarted by the pandemic and rising construction costs.
During this time, the Order of St John Local Committee had made their St John’s Hall available for studio shows, and eventually GLT ended up purchasing the hall where it became Studio 73.
In purchasing the building, GLT president John Gilberthorpe said they knew it would require a facility upgrade eventually.
“GLT plans to seismically strengthen the existing studio, and this will entail gutting the interior to complete the strengthening work,” Gilberthorpe said.
“The building will be relined with insulation and soundproofing from road noise installed.”
Other upgrades include storage, a new entrance and an extension housing new toilets, a kitchenette, a backstage area and a small foyer space.
The project has already received a resource consent issued by South Wairarapa District Council, and Gilberthorpe said right now, it’s all about sourcing funding.
The project is estimated to cost $577,000 [plus GST].
Gilberthorpe said the make-or-break funding will come from an application to the Lottery Community Facilities for $370,000.
“The big critical one is with Lotteries, they’re considering it at the moment and we’ll know by December.”
A grant approved by Trust House Foundation for $90,000 was also a significant boost, and Gilberthorpe said they were extremely grateful for the support.
“This is really important because it was very generous and it’s a big grant to come down to South Wairarapa,”
“They saw it about not just the theatre’s activities, but all the other community activities which take place. It’s not just about one usage, it’s about all these different groups using it.”
Studio 73 is used by GLT for productions, rehearsals, youth classes and collaborations with local schools.
It is also used by dance and exercise groups, and by a range of clubs and arts initiatives.
An application to the South Wairarapa District Council Community Grants programme was declined, and the GLT recently met with the Greytown Community Board to discuss options.
Gilberthorpe said the GLT has been established for over 100 years, and he has high hopes for its future.
“Like a lot of organisations, covid really impacted us so it’s good to be back on the road again.”
