Diva

Formerly known as The Hastings Municipal Theatre Complex, the Hawkes Bay Opera House & Precinct in Hastings Street, Hastings, best known for its reputation for being one of the best lyric theatres of its type in New Zealand, has recently undergone a change of management dedicated to its restoration and rejuvenation.

The Hawkes Bay Opera House, originally designed by H.E. White, was built in 1915, later surviving a major earthquake in 1931 that almost completely destroyed Hastings and Napier. Since first opening, the Municipal Theatre has been a joint venue for pictures, live theatre, musicals and other performances.

The first stage of extensive interior and exterior restorative work began in the late 1980's to restore it to its former glory and enhance the traditional beauty of the building. A walkway connecting the Municipal Theatre and the Municipal Buildings followed in 1994 to combine both facilities.

The most recent rejuvenation included a full exterior and interior repaint to bring out the best of the design. Inside Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen joined by Resene Enamacryl Metallic combine for a subtle low sheen finish with dramatic dazzling punches while the outside gleams in a fresh coat of Resene Wintergrade Lumbersider complemented by features of Resene Karaka (murky green) and Resene Diesel (red black) on soffits, joinery and balustrades. Resene Wintergrade Lumbersider allowed the painting team to keep working through a bitterly cold winter when normal waterborne paints would have forced them indoors.

With a team committed to developing the facilities, a fresh new finish and applauding audiences, the Hawkes Bay Opera House & Precinct is just the ticket theatre lovers are looking for.

Architect: Roger Shand
Painting Contractor: Freeman Decorators Ltd
Resene: Helen Clayton-Greene, Hastings Trade Sales Representative; Richard Chandler, Hawkes Bay Branch Manager
From the Resene News – issue 1/2006

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