Support The Vic for the good of our Community

The Victoria Theatre Trust needs to raise $200,000 for the restoration of the foyer. This historic theatre is now a thriving cinema and live venue after the trust saved it from permanent closure.

While the theatre now has all the latest cinema equipment, the foyer and facilities are crowded and worn. The cramped foyer urgently needs upgrading and we have well advanced architectural plans that will enlarge the space and improve the experience for our audiences.

If we raise $200,000, the trust will be eligible for grants from major institutional funders such as the Lotteries Commission and Foundation North.

The Vic is a special place - built in 1912 it is a listed Heritage New Zealand historic building and is the oldest purpose-built cinema in the Southern Hemisphere. A determined battle by Devonport people prevented it from being turned into apartments in the mid 2000's and it was re-opened in 2010.

It is now a much-loved entertainment venue for Devonport and attracts performers and audiences from all around Auckland.

The building is owned by Auckland Council but the Victoria Theatre Trust has a long-term lease and is responsible for the operation, maintenance and restoration of the theatre.

So it is up to us to restore The Vic.

Please help us ensure the theatre lasts for future generations.

The Victoria Theatre Trust formed in 2004 to save and develop The Victoria Theatre as a cinema and performing arts centre supporting and responding to community needs. It is now a vibrant and integral part of the Devonport and Auckland cultural landscape.

The foyer will be enlarged, heritage features restored, the ticket counter rebuilt and the foyer re-carpeted. The restoration will be a staged process and all funds raised will be used on this project and future developments.