TypeAgencyDate Range1996-2006DescriptionThe Embassy Theatre Trust was incorporated on December 5, 1996. The trustees were William Gosden, David Carson-Parker, Paul McLean and William Sheat. The organisation had originally been set up as the Cinema and Performing Arts Trust in July of that year, then changed its name. Its key objective was to secure a property suitable for the Wellington Film Festival and other film festivals and exhibitions requiring state-of-the art facilities, and for arts performance in the Wellington region. It was to provide the mechanism by which public funding might be sought to purchase, maintain and administer a suitable venue, with longer term objectives which could include developing the property as a multi-purpose venue.
From 1994, however, and the third meeting of "Save the Embassy" Group, owning the Embassy Theatre was the goal. In 1996, the Trust put in a conditional offer to purchase the Embassy Theatre. Wellington City Council provided a guarantee and a conservation architect was engaged to draw up plans for restoration. Funding and support came from many sources including The Community Trust, Council, Peter Jackson, businesses and fund-raising events. A Friends group was also established.
The New Zealand premiere of 'The Frighteners' on December 9, 1996 was the first major event to be held by the Trust at the theatre. Over the next few years, the Trust oversaw the restoration and management of the Embassy Theatre, including film bookings and associated retail spaces. Restoration work began in 1999. By early 2004, it was clear that the Council would have to spend $4.7 million to meet the Trust's financial commitments.
Under the terms of the guarantee, sale of the Embassy Theatre to Wellington City Council took place on July 30, 2004. The Trust was wound up in July 2006.
