The NZ School of Music could have a new home in Civic Square in central Wellington. File photo Photo: Supplied
Plans for a national music centre in the capital are a step closer, with Victoria University of Wellington looking at moving the NZ School of Music to Civic Square in central Wellington.
The School of Music is on Victoria University's Kelburn Campus.
Under the plan being negotiated with Wellington City Council, the school will relocate to levels three and four of the Central Library in Civic Square, once strengthening and modernising work on the library is completed in 2026.
The Central Library has been closed since 2019 due to earthquake risk.
Victoria University of Wellington Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith said there had been uncertainty around the project and he was delighted that a way forward had been found.
The Wellington Central Library has been closed since 2019. Photo: CC BY 2.0
"This university is home to one of the leading music schools in Australasia. As we emerge from our recent financial challenges with optimism for the future, being able to offer excellent music education and performance in the heart of Pōneke Wellington will be an important part of reinvigorating the university and its role in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond."
But Smith said the university was mindful of the need to ensure it completes its involvement in the national music centre within its existing financial obligations, while remaining firmly on its pathway back to financial sustainability.
A campaign led by former Wellington mayor and fundraising chair for the School of Music Dame Kerry Prendergast has raised $22 million towards the fit-out of both the library and the town hall, with another $10 million in the pipeline.
"This is an investment in the future of our capital city and the wider region and one which will inspire generations to come," said Dame Kerry.
"The vision was always to have it located close to the NZSO [New Zealand Symphony Orchestra], alongside the Town Hall, with the recording studios that are going to be part of the Town Hall."
The recording studios have been donated by Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh.
Dame Kerry said having the School of Music and the Symphony Orchestra so close together would be incredibly beneficial.
"Wellington is going to attract the very best teachers and students from around New Zealand, who want to train in a brand new building, well fitted out with the Symphony Orchestra, and be able to rehearse and work together in the restored and refurbished Wellington Town Hall."
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau said it was a "wonderful collaboration" between the University, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and Wellington city.
"We are excited to continue working with our partners to bring vibrancy to our city through the revitalised Te Ngākau precinct."
NZSO chief executive Peter Biggs said the decision was an exciting milestone
"By confirming a new home within the Te Ngākau Civic Square Precinct, which includes the earthquake-strengthened and refurbished Wellington Town Hall, the NZSM, NZSO and Wellington City Council are able to fully utilise every advantage to what will be the first music centre of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and bring the greatest music ever made to the heart of Wellington and the country."
