Ashburton Event Centre "Fund our Future"
- Publish date
- Wednesday, 2 Apr 2025, 4:09PM
Our beloved Ashburton Event Centre needs our help!
They are looking to secure $900,000 for upgrading and improving the venue's ability to provide a modern fit-for-purpose performing arts venue. This would include upgrades, maintenance, and new programming initiatives that reflect the evolving needs of the community.
Find more on how you and/or your business can support the campaign here: https://asheventcentre.co.nz/donations/
Some background:
23/09/1993 - The Ashburton Operatic Society was successful in purchasing the Pacer Kerridge-owned Regent Theatre, after Pacer Kerridge went into receivership. Paid $68,625.
10/02/1994 - The President of the Ashburton Operatic Society, Noel Johnson, called a special meeting to discuss setting up a Trust and the formation of FORT - Friends of the Regent Theatre.
1994 - 2006 - The Regent Theatre continued to operate with Alister and Barbara MacIntosh running the movies and the AOS staging musicals. A report was commissioned by Powell Fenwick, who concluded that repairs would be impracticable and recommended a new build. As this would need to involve the community, it was decided a new entity needed to be formed for the project.
23/07/1999 - With this in mind, the Ashburton Regent Charitable Trust Board was formed. Initially chaired by well-known locals Month Monteith, then followed by Russell Anstiss, the Trust had the drive, passion and vision to persue a greater goal of acquiring additional land and building a purpose-built performing arts venue for the town. AOS committed to raising $150,000. Project 101 was established to build two townhouses on Peter Street for auctioning. This was achieved with the help of local building contractors including Benchmark Homes, and Helmack ITM.
07/09/2006 - The Regent Theatre is demolished by Frews Contracting. Rodger Bradford has come on the board as Project Manager, providing valuable experience and knowledge to the Trust.
12/03/2007 - Construction of the new venue begins.
May 2008 - The Ashburton Event Centre is opened as a multipurpose venue for community events, civic meetings, sporting and cultural activities and performing arts. The Event Centre has gone on to play a crucial role in the Ashburton community, serving as a hub for various local events, gatherings, recreational activities, performances and training.
