The city’s decision to retain and operate Massey Theatre is music to the ears of members of the local arts community.
It’s long been contemplated that the school district would build a new 1,000-seat theatre in the new high school and demolish Massey Theatre. Instead of contributing $10.7 million towards a theatre in the new school, the city has reached an agreement in principle with the province and the school district that would see it assume ownership of the existing Massey Theatre.
Stephen Crosby, chair of Royal City Musical Theatre Society’s board of directors, said there’s something special about the Massey Theatre, which celebrated its 65th anniversary last year.
“To be able to retain that special and unique setting within New Westminster and to pass it on to future generations, there is something very special about that,” he said. “I am hoping, with this announcement, we will be able to celebrate its 100-year anniversary one day.”
Key points of the agreement in principle announced April 4, include:
* The existing 1,260-seat Massey Theatre and the land under the building will be gifted to the city by the school district.
* The B.C. Ministry of Education will finance the demolition of the existing gymnasium and reconstruction of the theatre’s exterior wall.
* The province will work with the city to identify funding sources for future seismic upgrades to the theatre.
Mayor Jonathan Cote said Massey Theatre has cultural value to the city and the region, so the city is excited about a plan to retain the theatre.
‘”The board appreciates that there are many demands on education funding and resources, so our focus must remain on building and operating a brand new, modern high school,” Jonina Campbell, school board chair, said in a press release. “Throughout this process, the school board and the City of New Westminster have been unfailing in our commitment to this challenging project and we are excited that, by working together, we were able to develop an option that we believe is a win-win.”
The city hired consultants to assess the facility’s structural, mechanical, building envelope, electrical, hazardous materials, fire protection and code requirements and construction costs. The city has budgeted $9.5 million for the renovation and the province will kick in $1.19 million for demolition and reconstruction of a new exterior wall near the existing gymnasium.
The decision comes as good news to many folks in the theatre community, who packed council chambers in 2009 to ask the city to save Massey Theatre.
“To me, the Massey is a place where people in our city can come together to appreciate arts and culture. It is also a place for mentorship and community building. I remember my dance teacher, Dolores Kirkwood, telling the story of how she held bake sales to help fundraise to buy the red velvet curtains that open a show,” said Sadie DeCoste, who first performed on the Massey stage when she was eight and worked part-time at the theatre as an usher. “I was delighted to hear that this cultural gem will be restored after so many years of uncertainty.”
Crosby said there was a mixture of relief and excitement as word of the city’s decision spread through the Royal City Musical Theatre community.
“The action plan provides a level of certainty, which we haven’t had in recent years when we have been looking at our long-term plans,” he said. “It also showcases that the City of New Westminster really has a commitment to the performing arts and all the outstanding performances that the Massey attracts year after year.”
