Image: The new theatre is set to open in mid-2014

ASB Community Trust has contributed NZ$5m (US$3.8m, EUR3m, £2.4m) towards the construction of a new 600-seat theatre in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter, New Zealand.

Auckland Theatre Company (ATC) has now secured NZ$21.7m (US$16.6m, EUR13.1m, £10.4m) towards the NZ$35.1m (US$26.8m, EUR21.1m, £16.9m) cost of the scheme

The new theatre has been designed by Moller Architects in collaboration with Bligh Voller Nield and is expected to add a "significant cultural dimension" to the city's waterfront.

It is expected construction work will commence early next year, with detailed design work now 90 per cent complete. The new theatre is expected to open in mid-2014.

ASB Community Trust chair Ken Whitney said: "The building itself is going to be a huge asset for our city, but what's more important is the potential it offers to develop the region's cultural resources."

ATC general manager Lester McGrath added: "[The project] will provide Auckland residents and visitors with a world class theatre going experience for generations to come."

Details: www.atc.co.nz

Image: BVN Architecture