Corner of Jackson and Bay Streets, Petone. Opened 1916, closed 1964.
Designed by Henry White who also designed the St James Theatre in Wellington City.

The shell remaining (early 2000) is still structurally sound, and bears typical innovative hallmarks of his style. Note especially the massive steel beams that held up the circle, below, exposed completely in April 2000.

 

White, a structural engineer as well as an architect, used similar technology in designing the St James which opened in 1912. The use of these huge steel beams means less columns need to be placed to support the upper audience tiers, thus avoiding sightline problems prevalent in other theatres built around the same time - e.g. the State Opera House.

 

View from the rear of the circle, sometime in the 30's after refurbishment, and....