Sound stage one step closer
The Rotary Club of Porirua Sundown’s proposal to build a permanent sound stage at Aotea Lagoon is gaining momentum following a $ 115,000 grant from Mana Community Grants.
Every January the rose gardens at the lagoon provide the setting for a variety of musical acts to entertain Porirua families.
However, musicians taking to the stage for the summer concert series, put on by Porirua City Council, run the risk of being rained off.
The sound stage project is in the early stages. The estimated cost is $ 200,000 and the Rotary club hopes the remaining funding will come from sponsorship.
It would be owned by the council.
The proposed location for the stage would be on Lawn No 1, near the middle entry into the lagoon.
Don Casagranda, business plan and project co-ordinator of the rotary working group, said although Porirua Sundown was only a small club, members had been very supportive of the project.
‘‘It would really add to the community . . . we don’t have anything like it,’’ Casagranda said.
‘‘We’re hopeful that from here the project will move quickly.’’
Casagranda said the idea was to have something that fitted into the Porirua community.
‘‘It’s a major project for us, but everyone is behind it.
‘‘Those we have talked to have been keen.’’
Space Architecture has been given control of the design and Casagranda said he hoped to have a concept drawing finished this month.
He said the goal was for the project to be completed before next July.
The group envisages the sound stage as not being used only for the summer series, but potentially by schools, wedding parties, community, theatre groups and the local marae.
Casagranda said he believed the stage would not only support community performances and events, but would raise the profile of Porirua City as a venue.
Although Rotary will fund the building costs, the council will prepare the site, and be responsible for power and maintenance.
For information on sponsorship categories, from bronze to platinum, email info@ rotaryporirua.org.nz