The official opening ceremony for Britomart's newest buildings, the Ernst & Young Building and the second element of Westpac on Takutai Square, was a night of spectacular entertainment as well as a moving tribute to those who made them a reality.

The ceremony was held on the evening of 18 August in the Atrium on Takutai, the covered shopping gallery that runs between the two buildings and forms part of the new complex.

It was attended by around 400 guests, including Auckland Councillors, MPs, Britomart precinct tenants, business leaders and members of the buildings’ design and development teams. Guests of honour were escorted on a private tour of the 10-storey, two-tower complex, which was completed in April 2011.

The celebrations, compered by broadcaster John Campbell, opened with an acoustic set by the Andrew Mockler Band. Aerial silk performers Polly and Imogen then performed a dazzling synchronised routine suspended from the nine-storey-high roof of the Atrium.

Speeches were made by Prime Minister John Key, Auckland Mayor Len Brown and from Cooper and Company, CEO Matthew Cockram and Executive Chairman Peter Cooper.

A common theme throughout the speeches was the revitalisation of Auckland’s waterfront and the importance of Britomart’s role in activating its east-west axis. All the speakers referenced the upcoming Rugby World Cup and its significance for Britomart, described by Peter Cooper as “a platform to showcase our heritage and culture to Rugby World Cup visitors”.

Tributes and thanks

Mr Cooper went on to say, "[Britomart] is a six-hectare grand indoor-outdoor live theatre… that our organisation has a primary function to attract the public to. And then it’s over to our actors and stars, our retail and food and beverage operators, to showcase their wares.”

Strong tribute was also made to the anchor tenants, Ernst & Young, Westpac New Zealand and Southern Cross Health Society, whose commitment made the development possible. Thanks were also extended to the design, development and construction teams who worked on the two buildings, both of which carry New Zealand Green Building Council five-star ratings.

Following the speeches, John Key, together with the other speakers, unveiled the foundation plaque.

The ceremony closed with ‘The Calling’, a bi-cultural pop-classical anthem featuring song vocals from opera group Lyrica layered with a ‘binding’ karakia by Maori chanters. Guests continued to mingle and socialise late into the evening.

“There was a great atmosphere and it was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the space and each other’s company,” says event director Sarah Hull. “It was an occasion that we hope very much brought the idea of Britomart as a live theatre to life.”

Read the official Ernst & Young and Westpac on Takutai Square opening news release