Auckland’s St James Theater threatens to become a dangerous building

A damaging theft has left Auckland’s St James Theater at the risk of becoming a dangerous buildingwith mushrooms growing inside and the ceiling falling down.

The 93 years old theatre was influenced by vandalism and theft on July 20said Steve Bielby, of St James Holdings.

But what was initially considered minor damage later turned out to be a major job. The perpetrators stole gutters and lead flashings from the roof, as well as electrical wires from the historic theater.

“It was a complicated job. They’ve isolated the 11,000-volt high-voltage grid,” Bielby said.

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The track has left the theater with a waterfall in it when it rains and is at risk of becoming a dangerous building, he said.

“The water and power are big problems, putting it on the trajectory of a dangerous building.”

Mushrooms grow on the floor of Auckland's St James Theater just weeks after a damaging theft.

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Mushrooms grow on the floor of Auckland’s St James Theater just weeks after a damaging theft.

St. James was damaged in a fire in a neighboring building in 2007. It reopened for a short time in 2015 before faulty electricity caused a new fire which damaged the stables.

Bielby said the theater was not insured because it was dilapidated.

It has remained largely abandoned since it lost funding for restoration in 2015.

But Chlöe Swarbrick, the Green Party MP for Auckland Central, said the building could be restored if the government grants $15 million to the project.

Part of the dome of the St James Theater is now collapsing from water damage.

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Part of the dome of the St James Theater is now collapsing from water damage.

This would match Auckland Council’s promised $15 million, as well as financing from the owners.

The building had been shut down while its future was being decided, but the latest damage meant it had to be repaired “now or never,” Swarbrick said.

After the restoration of the building’s exterior was completed, it was possible to decide how the building would be used.

Swarbrick said the theater could fill a gap as a medium to large venue.

Built in 1928, St James Theater once hosted shows and concerts, including the musical Cats, musician Nick Cave and Jane Campion’s Piano.

St James Theater is a category one listed building.