bookings closed for room hire at Abel smith
We are moving to Market Lane in June 2026 bookings for Abel Smith STreet are no longer available.
The Upper Chamber set out for a meeting
Upper Chamber
This carpeted multifunctional room has good natural light and a high ceiling. It is popular for theatre rehearsals, presentations, workshops and meetings.
Maximum occupancy: 50
Measures 8m by 8m
| Hourly rates | |
| Artists' rehearsal - Off peak | $11 |
| Artists' rehearsal - Peak | $15 |
| Class or funded arts | $25 |
| Non-arts or business | $35 |
Art class in the Community Room
Community Room
This multifunctional room is available for art classes, rehearsals and small meetings. It comes with 10 large wooden easels, chairs, tables and a large wash trough.
Maximum occupancy: 35
Measures 5.5m by 10m
| Hourly rates | |
| Artists' rehearsal - Off peak | $10.50 |
| Artists' rehearsal - Peak | $13.50 |
| Class or funded arts | $20 |
| Non-arts or business | $26 |
Studio 30
Studio 30
This multifunctional room is available for art classes, rehearsals and small meetings. It has two sinks and can come with tables and chairs.
Maximum occupancy: 35
Measures 5m by 10m
| Hourly rates | |
| Artists' rehearsal - Off peak | $10.50 |
| Artists' rehearsal - Peak | $13.50 |
| Class or funded arts | $20 |
| Non-arts or business | $26 |
Java Dance Theatre at practice in the Dance Studio
Dance Studio
The Dance Studio has a sprung wooden floor, mirrors and a pull-down projector screen. It is a suitable rehearsal space for small dance troupes, dance classes, and theatrical troupes, and can also be used for large meetings and presentations.
Maximum occupancy: 50
Measures 12.5m by 7m
| Hourly rates | |
| Artists' rehearsal - Off peak | $13 |
| Artists' rehearsal - Peak | $15.50 |
| Class or funded arts | $26 |
| Non-arts or business | $35 |
The Darkroom
Darkroom
This purpose-built darkroom has two enlargers, a photo-processing sink and all the equipment you need for developing black-and-white images. Just bring your own chemicals and paper.
Suitable for one person at a time
Rates: $5 per hour or $25 per day
Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand making use of Meeting Room West
Meeting Room West
Meeting Room West is suitable for small meetings. It has a large board room table and a white board mounted to the wall.
Maximum occupancy: 8
Measures 3.5m by 5.3m
| Hourly rates | |
| Artists' rehearsal - Off peak | $6 |
| Artists' rehearsal - Peak | $8 |
| Class or funded arts | $10 |
| Non-arts or business | $15 |
Hollywood Fun Downstairs practising in one of the smaller music studios
Music Studios 1 & 2
These two smaller studios can each fit a four-piece band, including drum kit (bring your own sticks).
Maximum occupancy: 4
| Hourly rates | |
| Artists' rehearsal - Off peak | $6.50 |
| Artists' rehearsal - Peak | $12 |
| Class or funded arts | $12 |
Music studio 3
music studio 3
The largest studio is suitable for up to six musicians and includes a sofa.
Maximum occupancy: 10
| Hourly rates | |
| Artists' rehearsal - Off peak | $8.50 |
| Artists' rehearsal - Peak | $15 |
| Class or funded arts | $15 |
About our room rates
artists' rehearsal rate
A subsidised rate for rehearsals, free events, or classes of less than three students.
class or funded rate
Partially-subsidised rate for funded arts events and classes of more than three students.
non-arts business rate
Unsubsidised rate for non-arts or commercial arts events.
peak and off-peak times
| 7.30am - 5pm | 5pm - 11.30pm | |
| Mon - Thurs | Off-peak | Peak |
| Friday | Off-peak | Off-peak |
| Saturday - Sunday | Peak | Off Peak |
Studios & offices
We lease to practising artists, arts organisations and creative businesses working across all disciplines. This community is known as Toi Pōneke's residents.
Residents can choose a short-term or a long-term lease, and from a range of room sizes. All rooms have 24/7 access, natural light and external-facing windows that open. The facilities include communal kitchens, toilets and seating areas.
Open studio day at Toi Pōneke
Art Studios
Weekly rent for a studio ranges from $60 (shared studio) to $140 (individual studio), including GST.
Our resident artists include:
costumers
jewellers
model makers
multimedia artists
musicians
painters
photographers
sculptors
digital artists
To apply for a studio, please include your CV and some examples of your work.
