St. James Theatre
312 Queen Street,
Auckland
312 Queen Street,
Auckland
2 people
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Kerridge-Odeon
Architects: Henry Eli White
Styles: Spanish Baroque
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This is a beautiful three tiered seating cinema/theatre was opened in 1928, and is situated on Queen Street in Auckland, New Zealand.
Once operated by Kerridge-Odeon chain, it was last used as a live performance venue and nightclub.
Sadly it was closed in October 2008, due to earthquake precautions. In February 2024 it was announced that phase 1 of a structural rebuild would begin in 2024. Phase 2 would follow which would involve a conversion to allow use for concerts and comedy shows.
Contributed by
John Watson
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
The St James opened on 5 Jul 1928 and is listed in a book I have as Spanish Renaissance style.The theatre was originally operated by cinema chain,Fullers,and in 1945 taken over by Kerridge Odeon.
atmos.
Henry Eli White Designed this theatre and he designed the St James Theatre in Wellington. (The Wellington St James Theatre is a beautiful baroque Theatre built in 1912 – now it is home to The Royal New Zealand Ballet) Dick Hubbard wants to turn Auckland’s St James Theatre into an Opera House.
This theatre is tragically wasted being used as a nightclub. I hope the Auckland City Council turn it into an Opera House. I think it could rival Wellington’s 1913 Opera House.
I have heard recently that the Auckland Philharmonia will use this theatre as a concert venue in the future as well as the Civic accross the road and the (1911) Auckland Town Hall further down Queen Street.
Is this theatre under refurbishment at the moment?
The St James was closed down in October 2008, due to it being an earthquake risk, and its electrical equipment not up to current standards. No plans have been forth coming.
Historic Register lisitng for building:
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Views of auditorium
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Apartment development but St James getting mothballed :(
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NZ Herald today has opened a campaign to save the St James:
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Here is a link to 9 photos of the St James including the original facade that has been hidden all of these years:
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Any news on how many theatres were lost during that Horrible earthquake.