RFT2768 - Theatre Royal and Museum Redevelopment - Construction

2026-11-03

The Timaru District Council (TDC) invites tenders from suitably experienced main contractors for the construction and redevelopment works associated with the Theatre Royal, a new Museum, and an integrated public laneway.We are seeking a contractor or contractors with experience in delivering complex heritage, civic, and theatre construction projects, and are able to work within a constrained urban and operational site with significant heritage and stakeholder considerations.The Theatre Royal & Museum Project involves the comprehensive redevelopment of the site located between Stafford Street and Barnard Street in central Timaru. The project encompasses three primary components:THEATRE ROYAL UPGRADE• Seismic strengthening of the existing Theatre Royal to a minimum of 70% NBS (IL3).• Restoration and refurbishment of key heritage features, including the auditorium, fly tower, and facade.• Modernisation of front-of-house and back-of-house facilities to meet contemporary performance and accessibility standards.• Reconfiguration of seating and circulation areas to improve patron experience and operational efficiency.• Installation of new theatre systems, including lighting, AV, fly rigging, and stage equipment.• Improvements to HVAC, fire safety, and building services infrastructure.NEW MUSEUM• Construction of a standalone, purpose-built museum building on the elevated western portion of the site.• Provision of permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, education facilities, staff workspaces, and collection storage areas.• Integration of climate control, acoustic separation, and security systems tailored to museum standards.• Coordination with Timaru District Council and museum stakeholders to ensure base-build compatibility with future exhibition fit out.LANEWAY AND CIVIC REALM DEVELOPMENT• Creation of a public laneway connecting Stafford and Barnard Streets, including hard and soft landscaping, lighting, seating, and amenity spaces.• Integration of vehicle access for servicing and stage dock logistics, including alterations to the Criterion Hotel structure as required.• Enhancement of pedestrian access and CPTED-compliant urban design elements.• Provision for utility corridors and external infrastructure to support both the theatre and museum functions.

New Zealand

2026-04-17