Discussions continue on future of Victoria Theatre

North Shore City Council is still talking with a commercial cinema operator about the future use of Victoria Theatre in Devonport.

Lighthouse Cinema (Petone) Ltd was one of three tenderers for the heritage building, and proposes to turn Victoria Theatre into an art-house cinema.

North Shore City community liaison manager, Lisa Tocker, says the process is a lengthy one to be worked through.

“The Historic Places Trust agreed with us about Victoria Theatre’s heritage significance, and consequently gave it a category one designation,” she says.

“But that means each heritage aspect of the building will have to be assessed against Lighthouse Cinema’s proposal, and that is what we are currently doing.”

A review of the seismic strengthening of the heritage features of the building against the new category one status is also under way.

Because it does not currently have a building warrant of fitness, Victoria Theatre remains closed except for part of the ground floor, which is being used as an overflow band practice space by The Depot.

Three groups registered their interest in either leasing or buying the building. All applications were evaluated against set criteria, which included financial strength and sustainability, management and business acumen, heritage and cultural approach and use, and community benefits.