Erected by a local entrepreneur, Thomas O'Brien (c.1890-1948), the brick-built Civic was constructed seven years after the first atmospheric cinema in Houston, Texas. It was specifically designed for talking pictures, which had just been introduced to New Zealand. Designed by Charles Bohringer and William Leighton, the cinema contained several innovations, including a tearoom or Wintergarden in its basement, from which patrons could observe the main screen. It also held a rising 'gondola' orchestra pit, and the second largest wurlitzer organ in the Southern Hemisphere. The exterior, of a less elaborate 'picture-box' design, contained shops facing the street and a corner tower to rival that of the nearby St James (see 'St James Theatre, Auckland'). Some major alterations were made, particularly in the 1970s, when the Wintergarden cinema was built in the basement space (now removed). The building has since been restored in a landmark conservation project, continuing to show films as well as being adpated for use as a lyric theatre. It also retains its shops along the street frontages.
Of international significance as the largest surviving atmospheric cinema in Australasia, the Civic Theatre is also nationally important as the first purpose-built cinema of this type. It is the best remaining atmospheric picture house in the country, and an excellent example of early twentieth-century 'picture-box' design. Containing many elements of technological value, the building is historically significant for its associations with the development of the motion picture industry in New Zealand, and the emergence of 'talkies' as a means of mass communication. Recently restored, the interior of the Civic has great aesthetic appeal, and its distinctive exterior is a much valued local landmark. Its value is enhanced by its proximity to other historic buildings used for large-scale public entertainment, including the St James Theatre and Auckland Town Hall.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Able to Visit
List Number
100
Date Entered
27th June 1985
Date of Effect
27th June 1985
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Legal description
Lot 1 DP 199399
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Able to Visit
List Number
100
Date Entered
27th June 1985
Date of Effect
27th June 1985
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Legal description
Lot 1 DP 199399
Construction Professional
Name
Fletcher Construction Company
Type
Builder
Biography
Fletcher Construction Company was founded by Scottish-born James Fletcher (1886 - 1974), the son of a builder. Six months after his arrival in Dunedin in 1908, Fletcher formed a house-building partnership with Bert Morris. They soon moved into larger-scale construction work, building the St Kilda Town Hall (1911), and the main dormitory block and Ross Chapel at Knox College (1912). Fletcher's brothers, William, Andrew and John joined the business in 1911, which then became known as Fletcher Brothers. A branch was opened in Invercargill. While holidaying in Auckland in 1916, James tendered for the construction of the the Auckland City Markets. By 1919 the company, then known as Fletcher Construction, was firmly established in Auckland and Wellington. Notable landmarks constructed by the company during the Depression included the Auckland University College Arts Building (completed 1926); Landmark House (the former Auckland Electric Power Board Building, 1927); Auckland Civic Theatre (1929); the Chateau Tongariro (1929); and the Dominion Museum, Wellington (1934). Prior to the election of the first Labour Government, Fletcher (a Reform supporter) had advised the Labour Party on housing policy as hbe believed in large-scale planning and in the inter-dependence of government and business. However, he declined an approach by Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage in December 1935 to sell the company to the government, when the latter wanted to ensure the large-scale production of rental state housing. Although Fletchers ultimately went on to build many of New Zealand's state houses, for several years Residential Construction Ltd (the subsidiary established to undertake their construction) sustained heavy financial losses. Fletcher Construction became a public company, Fletcher Holdings, in 1940. Already Fletchers' interests were wide ranging: brickyards, engineering shops, joinery factories, marble quarries, structural steel plants and other enterprises had been added the original construction firm. Further expansion could only be undertaken with outside capital. During the Second World War James Fletcher, having retired as chairman of Fletcher Holdings, was seconded to the newly created position of Commissioner of State Construction which he held during 1942 and 1943. Directly responsible to Prime Minister Peter Fraser, Fletcher had almost complete control over the deployment of workers and resources. He also became the Commissioner of the Ministry of Works, set up in 1943, a position he held until December 1945. In 1981 Fletcher Holdings; Tasman Pulp and Paper; and Challenge Corporation amalgamated to form Fletcher Challenge Ltd, at that time New Zealand's largest company. Williamson Construction Company - main contract
Name
Bohringer, Charles
Type
Architect
Biography
No biography is currently available for this construction professional
Name
Leighton, William
Type
Architect
Biography
No biography is currently available for this construction professional
Construction Details
Type
Other
Description
Site of commercial properties
Period
pre-1862
Start Year
1873
Type
Other
Description
Site of commercial properties, rebuilt after fire
Start Year
1929
Type
Original Construction
Description
Construction of Civic Theatre
Start Year
1952
Type
Modification
Description
Modifications for 'cinemascope'
Start Year
1975
Type
Modification
Description
Remodelling of basement for additional screen
Start Year
1997
Finish Year
1999
Type
Modification
Description
Conservation, with addition of fly tower at rear
Notable Features
Registration covers the building, its fixtures and finishes. It includes all recent modifications and extensions. The building lies on the site of early colonial buildings and possible Maori occupation beside the Horotiu stream.
Construction Professional
Name
Fletcher Construction Company
Type
Builder
Biography
Fletcher Construction Company was founded by Scottish-born James Fletcher (1886 - 1974), the son of a builder. Six months after his arrival in Dunedin in 1908, Fletcher formed a house-building partnership with Bert Morris. They soon moved into larger-scale construction work, building the St Kilda Town Hall (1911), and the main dormitory block and Ross Chapel at Knox College (1912). Fletcher's brothers, William, Andrew and John joined the business in 1911, which then became known as Fletcher Brothers. A branch was opened in Invercargill. While holidaying in Auckland in 1916, James tendered for the construction of the the Auckland City Markets. By 1919 the company, then known as Fletcher Construction, was firmly established in Auckland and Wellington. Notable landmarks constructed by the company during the Depression included the Auckland University College Arts Building (completed 1926); Landmark House (the former Auckland Electric Power Board Building, 1927); Auckland Civic Theatre (1929); the Chateau Tongariro (1929); and the Dominion Museum, Wellington (1934). Prior to the election of the first Labour Government, Fletcher (a Reform supporter) had advised the Labour Party on housing policy as hbe believed in large-scale planning and in the inter-dependence of government and business. However, he declined an approach by Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage in December 1935 to sell the company to the government, when the latter wanted to ensure the large-scale production of rental state housing. Although Fletchers ultimately went on to build many of New Zealand's state houses, for several years Residential Construction Ltd (the subsidiary established to undertake their construction) sustained heavy financial losses. Fletcher Construction became a public company, Fletcher Holdings, in 1940. Already Fletchers' interests were wide ranging: brickyards, engineering shops, joinery factories, marble quarries, structural steel plants and other enterprises had been added the original construction firm. Further expansion could only be undertaken with outside capital. During the Second World War James Fletcher, having retired as chairman of Fletcher Holdings, was seconded to the newly created position of Commissioner of State Construction which he held during 1942 and 1943. Directly responsible to Prime Minister Peter Fraser, Fletcher had almost complete control over the deployment of workers and resources. He also became the Commissioner of the Ministry of Works, set up in 1943, a position he held until December 1945. In 1981 Fletcher Holdings; Tasman Pulp and Paper; and Challenge Corporation amalgamated to form Fletcher Challenge Ltd, at that time New Zealand's largest company. Williamson Construction Company - main contract
Name
Bohringer, Charles
Type
Architect
Biography
No biography is currently available for this construction professional
Name
Leighton, William
Type
Architect
Biography
No biography is currently available for this construction professional
Construction Details
Type
Other
Description
Site of commercial properties
Period
pre-1862
Start Year
1873
Type
Other
Description
Site of commercial properties, rebuilt after fire
Start Year
1929
Type
Original Construction
Description
Construction of Civic Theatre
Start Year
1952
Type
Modification
Description
Modifications for 'cinemascope'
Start Year
1975
Type
Modification
Description
Remodelling of basement for additional screen
Start Year
1997
Finish Year
1999
Type
Modification
Description
Conservation, with addition of fly tower at rear
Notable Features
Registration covers the building, its fixtures and finishes. It includes all recent modifications and extensions. The building lies on the site of early colonial buildings and possible Maori occupation beside the Horotiu stream.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
15th August 2001
Report Written By
Martin Jones
Information Sources
Clough, 1996 (2)
Rod Clough, 'Civic Theatre Project: Archaeological Assessment', Auckland, 1996 (held by NZHPT, Auckland)
Conservation Plan
Conservation Plan
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Northern Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. NZHPT Heritage Order (20 May 1988) Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
15th August 2001
Report Written By
Martin Jones
Information Sources
Clough, 1996 (2)
Rod Clough, 'Civic Theatre Project: Archaeological Assessment', Auckland, 1996 (held by NZHPT, Auckland)
Conservation Plan
Conservation Plan
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Northern Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. NZHPT Heritage Order (20 May 1988) Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Cinema/movie theatre
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Theatre
Uses: Trade
Specific Usage: Shopping/retail complex
Former Usages
General Usage: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Cinema/movie theatre
Web Links
description: Engineering NZ Heritage
url: https://www.engineeringnz.org/our-work/heritage/heritage-records/civic-theatre/
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Cinema/movie theatre
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Theatre
Uses: Trade
Specific Usage: Shopping/retail complex
Former Usages
General Usage: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Cinema/movie theatre
Web Links
description: Engineering NZ Heritage
url: https://www.engineeringnz.org/our-work/heritage/heritage-records/civic-theatre/
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