Civic Building, Auckland CBD

The Civic is internationally significant as the largest surviving atmospheric cinema in Australasia and was the first purpose-built cinema of its kind in New Zealand.

It is also known for its Indian-inspired foyer, which includes seated Buddhas, twisted columns and domed ceilings. The main auditorium is of a similarly exotic style, imitating a Moorish garden with turrets, Minarets, spires and tiled roofs, as well as two life-sized Abyssinian panther statues. The Civic accommodated 2,750 people at its opening, and is still the largest theatre in New Zealand even at its current reduced-seating capacity.

The courtyard underwent major upgrade whilst access to the theatre was maintained throughout the project. Upon removal of floor tiles, the visible ponding spots on the floor created a major threat to the completion date. A large area was screeded with epoxy to fulfil the required fall and the waterproofing was completed effectively, within the planned date. Since the theatre remained open, Chelsea was put under several restrictions, which proved a major challenge to overcome, during project progression.