Theatre Renovation To Cost More Than Expected

Chronicle (Levin), 2 November 1948, Page 4

Theatre Renovation To Cost More Than Expected

The improvements to the interior of the Regent Theatre will cost approximateiy £750 more than t'he £1000 anticipated, and which the company Teasing the theatre, United Theatres, Ltd., had previpusly agreed to pay- for the work. In mentioning this fact at a meeting of the Levin Borough Council last night, the Mayor, Mr. H, B. Burdekin, said that the council had originally asked the company for £750. This had later been raised to £1000. An architect, who was recognised as one of the leading men in hiL trade in New Zealand had been- approaehed and given the ; task of ascertaining what should be done along eertain lines. Council'lors had visited other theatres, in Hutt after which the architect, Mr. S. Drake, had drawn up plans and specifieations which had been approved by .the council. The council had been given to understand that tliese improvements would cost in the vicinity of £1000. Tenders were called but no one had seemed int-erested in the work, said Mr. Burdekin. Two prjces had been submftted for the painting, and £600 would be an estimate for this work. No tenders had been submitted for the earpentry. A loeal builder had been approaehed, but although he had submitted a tender, he had not been overanxious to do the work, Since then the town clerk, Mr. H. L. Jenkins, had contacted a flrm in Lower Hutt which had done considerable theatre work. There had not been a great deal of difference between the estimates of either flrm, and the total cost would be in the vicinity of £175,0. There would also be plaster work to be done whjch would cost in the ■vicinity of £100, but this was the responsibility of the council. Continuing, Mr. Burdekin said that some settlement was necessary in regard to the difference. in price if the work was to proceed as originally planned. The generai manager of the company, Mr. E, H. Garrett, was to wait on the council that night with the architect, and it was belicved that Mr, Garrett had a plan to put forward in regard to the extra cost. At this' stage and during the subsequent talks with the architect and Mr. Garrett, the council went into committee. After the discussions the Mayor when asked by the Prfess if the decision of the couneil could be made available for publication, said: "A satjsfactpry arrangement between the council and t'he company's representative has been made consequent on the granting of a permit for the work."