NEW THEATRE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 8, 21 October 1941, Page 6

NEW THEATRE

TENDERS IN NEXT FORTNIGHT. LETTER TO BOROUGH COUNCIL “THE BEST, NEWS SO FAR” Advice that when plans for the proposed neAv picture theatre 1 in Ashburton are submitted to the Ministry of Control favourable consideration would be given to them and a permit issued, and that tenders for the building would be called in the next two weeks, was received by the Ashburton Borough Council last evening in a letter from the Ministry. The letter stated that the following communication had been sent to the architect for the Avork (Mr R. Muston) —“With reference to your letter of January 28 and subsequent correspondence concerning the erection of a theatre at Ashburton to the value of £13,000, I wish to advise you that I am prepared to give favourable consideration to this proposal. I would suggest, therefore, that you complete the working drawings and submit the building permit application to me through the appropriate local authority.” It was understood that the architect would be calling for tenders at an early date. The Mayor (Dr. J. Connor) said the plans were approved by the Council last January. Mr A. H. Todd said the glad tidings were appreciated, hut there was still the question of the alterations to the St. James Theatre. It was not only, a new picture theatre that was required, but also the promised stage accommodation in the St. James Theatre for local purposes. The Town Clerk (Mr R. C. Major) stated that the architect would be calling tenders within the next two weeks. Mr E. C. Bathurst said it was understood that one of the conditions of the permission for the new theatre was that the alterations to the St. James Theatre would proceed at once. The Mayor said the Buildifig Controller had been most sympathetic toward the project because of the circumstances.

Mr A. A. McDonald said the letter from the Ministry Was the best news the Council had received for some time.