3 Feb 2012

Theatre company upbeat despite council funding warning

6:39 am on 3 February 2012

The Auckland Theatre Company remains upbeat despite shrinking support among Auckland councillors for funding its planned waterfront venue.

Three councillors have withdrawn their backing for a $10 million ratepayer contribution and others say they may follow suit if the company can not secure nearly $20 million the middle of this year.

Auckland Theatre Company general manager Lester McGrath says it is a tough fund-raising environment, but the plan to build later this year as part of the new ASB Bank head office has a lot going for it.

Mr McGrath says the company will meet the Lotteries Commission on Friday and has a funding bid with the ASB Community Trust.