This multi-award winning Complex was New Zealand's 'Building of the Year' in 2001. It is a 'building of distinction' for the teaching, rehearsal and performance of music, drama, dance and Maori performing arts disciplines. The 3500m² facility is situated on the Hamilton University of Waikato campus.

The NZ$8.8 million building has two major performing spaces, the Concert Chamber and the Playhouse. Also provided were two teaching and rehearsal spaces, the Dance Studio and the Whare Tapere Iti, Foyer and Exhibition spaces, canteen, administration and back of house areas.

The Gallagher Concert Chamber (340 seats, 290 in front of stage) is the largest of the Academy's five venues. Its high ceiling, attractive wall panels and wooden floors are designed specifically for acoustic chamber music. Waikato's Opus Chamber Orchestra, Hamilton's Chamber Music Society, and many local and national performers are regular performers.

The Telecom Playhouse (max. 183 seats depending on venue configuration) is a flexible drama theatre ideal for plays, dance and small-scale musical productions, conferences and private functions. The theatre's flexible seating and lighting system enables end-on, in the round, transverse or thrust configurations.

For further information visit the  University of Waikato and the project architect, Warren & Mahoney.