The ASB Waterfront Theatre project is a new purpose built facility for the Auckland Theatre Company, its first dedicated premises for Auckland. The proposed new ASB Waterfront Theatre for Auckland Theatre Company is located on a “brownfields” site, adjacent to the new ASB headquarters, in Halsey Street, Wynyard Quarter.

The theatre has been designed specifically for spoken word drama and this requirement has been a predominant determinant in the physical shape and acoustic and mechanical performance parameters of the auditorium. The theatre will seat a total of 668 people with 460 in the Stalls and 208 in the balcony, plus up to 20 in the Boxes.

The form of the building comprises a large rectangular shape clad in glass, concrete and cedar boarding. The fly tower extends above the main theatre form as a polycarbonate clad rectangular shape that will contain multi-colored LED backlighting.

The public spaces address Halsey Street, the outdoor yard between ASB and the theatre, and also part of Madden Street. These public spaces comprise naturally lit foyers, stairs and a lift to Levels 2 and 3 with cross-over galleries feeding each side of the auditorium. On Level 1 there is a separate Cafe and Bar facility. On Level 3, a Function Room is sited with its own outdoor deck. Level 2 incorporates a bridge connection to the ASB headquarters, providing synergy with ASB’s performance facility.

Back-of-house facilities include dressing rooms, a Green Room, staging area and a platform goods lift. Public toilet facilities are located on level 1.

The mechanical systems for HVAC provision to the stage and auditorium is essentially a hybrid under-seat displacement and overhead system, with both the stalls and balcony having under-seat supply. All house lighting in the auditorium, events, and exhibition and meeting rooms will be dimmable and an extensive theatre light, power reticulation and control system, shall be provided.

It is intended that the building will achieve a 5 Star Greenstar rating, and the documentation defines this requirement.