Theatre Royal Redevelopment
Timaru District Council is redeveloping the historic Theatre Royal and constructing a new museum, Te Kura Marumaru, on an adjacent site, joined by a laneway to create a vibrant public arts and culture space.
Construction is now underway, with the redevelopment and construction project scheduled for completion December 2026.
What's being built?
The project has three main components:
Theatre Royal restoration - The historic Theatre Royal on Stafford Street is being seismically strengthened and refurbished, with extensions to the northern and western facades to expand the front-of-house and back-of-house facilities. The heritage auditorium will be carefully preserved while the stage house and backstage areas are rebuilt to meet modern performance standards.
New Museum - A purpose-built museum is being constructed on the upper part of the site, fronting Barnard Street, on land previously used for car parking. The new facility will deliver modern exhibition, education, and programme spaces capable of hosting national and international visiting exhibitions, alongside the permanent South Canterbury collection.
Public laneway - A new laneway connecting Stafford Street and Barnard Street will link the theatre and museum, creating a flexible public space for people to gather, move between the two venues, and connect to Timaru's retail and businesses. The laneway also has the potential to encourage private development in this part of the city.
Together, the three elements reinvigorate form a new vibrant space for central Timaru.
Note: these images are indicative only, design features may vary from what is shown
Where are we now?
Project Management has been undertaken by Project Advisory Group, ground and civil works have been completed by Paul Smith Earthmoving and Hawkins New Zealand was awarded the construction contract at the Council meeting on 27 January 2026 and moved on to site in the week commencing 2 February 2026. Construction is scheduled for completion December 2026.
The project has a total spend of $25.8 million in 2026/27, covering a range of essential asset upgrades including seismic strengthening and building configuration improvements.
Hawkins made a commitment in their tender to maximising the use of local resources and suppliers, as well as investing in training opportunities for young people - which was a key requirement of the contract.
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Why is this happening?
The Theatre Royal has been closed for a number of years, and Timaru has felt the absence. Shows, tours, graduations, community performances, and major events that would otherwise come to a city our size have had to go elsewhere, or not come to South Canterbury at all.
The project has two goals – to upgrade our existing facilities and, elevate arts, culture and heritage within the district.
The redevelopment was included in the 2021–2031 Long Term Plan and has been carried through into the current 2024–2034 LTP. The project has received $11.6 million in support from the Government's COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.
History of the site
Theatre Royal
Originally built in 1869 as a stone store, the building was converted into a theatre in 1877. It is a Heritage New Zealand Category 2 listed building and one of Timaru's most significant heritage landmarks, with more than 150 years of history as a gathering place for the community.
Museum site (Barnard Street)
The site was previously occupied by the Olympia Hall, a prominent Edwardian building constructed in 1910 as a 2,000-seat multi-use venue designed by architect James Turnbull. It hosted silent movies, roller-skating, and major events. The New Zealand Army took over the building in 1939 and used it as a drill hall during World War II. The building was demolished in 2021 to make way for the current development.
Project timeline
July–September 2025 - Demolition of structures being replaced; civil and earthworks begin
February 2026 - Hawkins Ltd moves on site; main construction begins
May 2026 - Museum foundations and concrete walls installed; theatre restoration progressing
December 2026 - Full construction project completion expected
Last updated: 21 May 2026