Chch theatre nears funding goal

The Isaac Theatre Royal is one step closer to securing vital funding, after a successful fund-raising event.

The Christchurch theatre is aiming to raise $150,000 to match the same amount allocated by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

The theatre, which was opened in 1908, was severely damaged in the February 2011 earthquake, and was rebuilt in its original Edwardian-style at a cost of $40 million.

In order to get money from the Trust the theatre has to meet the target of $150,000 by the end of this month.

An open day yesterday was attended by over 1000 people and $5000 was raised.

The theatre's chief executive, Neil Cox, said it now has about 75 percent of the money, and he is confident that more donors will come forward.

Mr Cox said the theatre needs the money to service commercial loans of more than $2 million that were taken to fund the rebuild.