$4.5 million dollars has already been donated to transform Wellington's Town Hall into a music hub.
The hub will be available for public use, as well as being a working space for the New Zealand School of Music and the permanent home of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
The Town Hall will receive a facelift as part of the proposal, including a new entranceway onto Wakefield Street, refurbished performances spaces, recording spaces and earthquake strengthening.
Wellington Town Hall Photo: RNZ
The Category One listed historic building is world renowned for its acoustics. Donald Best, chair of the NZSO says a working group has been formed to ensure none of the refurbishment works will affect the integrity of the acoustics.
The Wellington City Council is currently seeking public feedback on the proposed cost of the earthquake strengthening, with a decision being made at the June 28 council meeting, which is estimated to cost $89.9 million.
The proposed budget for the refurbishment is $187 million. The goal is to have the centre open by early 2022.
The NZ School of Music and NZSO are tasked with raising $30 million, with fundraising officially launching in the coming weeks.
The refurbishment is due to start in April 2018.
