The redevelopment of the Opera House precinct, now called Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, is one of the largest construction projects council has been involved in for many years.

The Opera House has played an important role in the community since 1915. It brings our people together to celebrate, to be entertained and to enjoy each other’s company. That’s why the community fully supported the redevelopment, they recognise that the complex is at the heart of our community.

After six long years of closure, we will be able to watch and enjoy our children and grandchildren dance and sing as families have done for the past 100 years. We will again enjoy national and international performing arts and most importantly, we will have a place to discover and develop our very own local Hastings talent.

Hastings is alive. We are seeing a huge rejuvenation of our CBD with many new businesses, retail, hospitality and professional

From left Scrapit HB owner Des Bristow, foreman Tim Knight and Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst with the trowel that was found in a safe at the Opera House.

services establishing or relocating. We will also see our first hotel open in the CBD and this will complement the many events that Toitoi will host, including regional, national and international conferences.

For the first time in its history, Hastings will have a purpose- built events venue – Functions on Hastings. The functions venue will host up to 600 people for conferences and special functions.

Toitoi will bring the heart and soul back to Hastings and create an arts renaissance as well as ignite a new era of vibrancy and prosperity for our district.