QUEEN STREET IMPROVEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 59, 10 March 1923, Page 15

QUEEN STREET IMPROVEMENT.

THE COLOSSEUM THEATRE.

EXPENDITCRE OF £150,000.

Ihe demolition, which is now proceeding, of the block of old two-storied buildings adjoining the Queen Street premises of the Auckland Savings Bank, removes n landmark which in its time was considered one of the most up-to date busifiess blocks in the. young city. Erected fn 1802, it was occupied by the then leading drapers. Messrs. Wilson, McCullough and (iroves, Haslett a wellknown chemist, and T. and I. Mason, hairdressers, the latter business having been continuously conducted ill the same premises until the present day. The whole of these old-fashioned shops are being replaced by ,a modern reinforced structure, more ill keeping with the requirements of present-day business and the rapid progress of the city. The property has a frontage of nearly a hundred feet to Queen and Lome Streets by a depth of about one hundred and seventy feet. The new buildings now being erected will comprise shops, offices and a theatre—The Colosseum. The configuration of the site Is peculiarly suited to the purpose for which it is being developed. Lome Street which bounds the eastern side of the property being nearly twenty feet higher than Queen Street, and the new building is designed to utilise this difference of levels to the fullest extent. The Queen Street frontage, with the exception of a fifteen foot entrance to the theatre, is devoted to two tiers of shops, the verandah being some twenty odd feet nl«>V" the pavement. Each level is subdivided into several shops, the upper tier being approached by staircases from Queen Street. These upper shop windows will bo advantageously placed for the display of goods, and the idea although new to Auckland, has been successfully tried in other partß of the world. If the innovation is popular, it seems safe to forecast an extensive imitation of the example. Above the verandah are offices and a modest classical elevation fronts Oueen Street. The theatre is approached from Queen Street by steps leading midway to the Lome Street level. The auditorium is divided into three levels for the accommodation of the audience, and the directors are responsible for several ingenious modifications of accepted theatrical designs which are believed to be unique. The whole of the Lome Street level is utilised for theatre entrances and exits. The theatre will possess a stage capable of being used for theatrical performances, and also a screen for cinematographic use. The total seating accommodation will accommodate neaHv 2.000 persons. The contractors' are J. T. Julian and Sons. Limited, and an endeavour is being made to open the theatre by next Christmas. The total cost of the lajid and building will exceed £130.000, the whole of the money having been raised locally