Strategy & Planning
Arts & Culture Centre Feasibility Study
Horwath HTL was engaged engaged to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study for a proposed multi-purpose arts and culture centre in a regional New Zealand community.
Project Scope
The project’s scope encompassed in-depth market analysis, stakeholder and community consultation, benchmarking against comparable national venues, and the development of a robust business case to determine the optimal scale, configuration, and operational model for the new facility.
Key activities included:
• Reviewing demographic and visitor projections to assess long-term demand.
• Analysing the performance and utilisation of existing venues in the region.
• Conducting extensive consultation with local stakeholders, arts organisations, event promoters, and the wider community to identify needs, aspirations, and technical requirements.
• Benchmarking against leading performing arts and cultural centres nationally to identify best practices and potential pitfalls.
• Developing and evaluating multiple facility options, including capital and operational cost projections, event activity forecasts, and revenue modelling.
• Assessing governance, ownership, and management structures suitable for sustainable operation.
Outcomes & Benefits to the Client
Our work provided the client with a clear, evidence-based preferred concept for facility development. We identified the need for a flexible, contemporary venue designed to maximise both cultural and commercial outcomes. Recommended facilities included a 500 seat theatre, and ancillary spaces for rehearsal, exhibitions, and community use.
The study equipped the client with actionable insights to support funding applications, stakeholder engagement, and strategic decision-making, ensuring the centre is positioned to deliver lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits to the region.
Contact for Project
Project Location
South Island, New Zealand
