# The Free Theatre, Christchurch Central City

The Free Theatre is a cinema or theatre at The Gym, Christchurch Arts Centre, 30 Worcester Boulevard, Central City.

[Directions](<https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=The%20Free%20Theatre%2C%20The%20Gym%2C%20Christchurch%20Arts%20Centre%2C%2030%20Worcester%20Boulevard%2C%20Central%20City%2C%20Christchurch>) · [Website](<http://www.freetheatre.org.nz/>) · [Menu](<https://www.freetheatre.org.nz/whats-on.html>) · [Google Maps](<https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The%20Free%20Theatre%2C%20The%20Gym%2C%20Christchurch%20Arts%20Centre%2C%2030%20Worcester%20Boulevard%2C%20Central%20City%2C%20Christchurch>)

**Unconfirmed lead.** Listed only in the council’s Find Christchurch directory, a snapshot from about March 2024. No other source confirms it still trades, check before you go. The directory’s number for it: 021 025 61384.

The picture the page leads with, from its own website: [business image](<https://api.chch.live/biz-img?slug=the-free-theatre-christchurch-central-city&source=owner>).

## About, in one paragraph

Getting there, the nearest bus stop (Rolleston Ave near Gloucester St, route 8) is 164 m away; a separated cycleway passes within 103 m; council off-street parking (54 spaces) is 88 m away. The address’s own page keeps 5 council reports on file. Only the council’s 2024 directory lists it, no other source confirms it still trades, so check before you go.

_Summary written by the site from the public record and the business’s own website, sources below._

## What the record holds

- **Address:** The Gym, Christchurch Arts Centre, 30 Worcester Boulevard, Central City _(Find Christchurch, 2024)_
- **Kind:** Cinemas & theatres _(Find Christchurch, 2024)_
- **Phone:** 021 025 61384 _(Find Christchurch, 2024)_
- **Website:** http://www.freetheatre.org.nz/ _(Find Christchurch, 2024)_ · _its own site agrees_
- **Email:** info@freetheatre.org.nz _(Find Christchurch, 2024)_
- **Menu:** https://www.freetheatre.org.nz/whats-on.html _(Its own website)_

## In its own listing

Free Theatre Christchurch was established in 1982 as an incorporated society. The company offers a unique experience for artists and audiences not catered for by local commercial theatres or the amateur theatres that imitate them. Check the website for their latest events.

_Source: Find Christchurch, 2024._

## The ground it stands on

_Facts about the spot, not the business, from the council and ECan layers._

- **District Plan zone:** City centre zone _(District Plan)_
- **Heritage item:** Electrical Engineering Extension, School of Engineering, and Setting, highly significant in the District Plan _(District Plan)_
- **Consent CRC154729:** Water Take/Use, held by The Arts Centre of Christchurch Trust Board, to 14 Sept 2050, 24 m from the pin _(ECan consents)_
- [Every consent ECan grants](https://www.chch.live/consents), the whole roll
- **Address record:** [30 Worcester Boulevard](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/30-worcester-boulevard), 5 reports on file


## The reports nearby
3,322 reports pinned within 250 m of the point, a pin is where a reporter stood, not a claim about the place.
- [Traffic Signals](https://www.chch.live/report/9156736), [281 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/281-montreal-street)
- [Damaged Street Sign](https://www.chch.live/report/9140466), [12 Hereford St, Canterbury, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/12-hereford-street)
- [Graffiti on a traffic light pole or cabinet, or wa](https://www.chch.live/report/9133904), Whakatata House 44 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
- [Graffiti on a fence, building or structure](https://www.chch.live/report/9127300), [2 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/2-gloucester-street)
- [Graffiti on a fence, building or structure](https://www.chch.live/report/9124632), [294G Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/294g-montreal-street)
- [Graffiti on a fence, building or structure](https://www.chch.live/report/9124612), [294 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/294-montreal-street)
- [Graffiti on a sign, mural or public art](https://www.chch.live/report/9124038), [28 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/28-gloucester-street)
- [Graffiti on a fence, building or structure](https://www.chch.live/report/9123981), [326 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/326-montreal-street)
- [Graffiti on a sign, mural or public art](https://www.chch.live/report/9113896), [7 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/7-rolleston-avenue)
- [Graffiti on a fence, building or structure](https://www.chch.live/report/9113889), [7 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/7-cashel-street)
- [Graffiti on a fence, building or structure](https://www.chch.live/report/9113880), [7 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/7-cashel-street)
- [Graffiti on a traffic light pole or cabinet, or wa](https://www.chch.live/report/9101398), [45 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/45-gloucester-street)
## Getting there

- Bus stop, Rolleston Ave near Gloucester St, 164 m (routes 8) _(ECan bus stops)_
- Bus stop, Hereford St near Montreal St, 188 m (routes 8) _(ECan bus stops)_
- Bus stop, Hereford St near Montreal St, 192 m (routes 8) _(ECan bus stops)_
- Separated cycleway, 103 m _(Council cycleway layer)_
- Car park, Ravenscar House Museum, 88 m (54 spaces, 2 mobility, 4 EV) _(Council parking data)_
- [Worcester Boulevard](https://www.chch.live/street/christchurch-central-city/worcester-boulevard), the street’s own record
- [Directions on Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=The%20Free%20Theatre%2C%20The%20Gym%2C%20Christchurch%20Arts%20Centre%2C%2030%20Worcester%20Boulevard%2C%20Central%20City%2C%20Christchurch)
- [Street View](https://www.google.com/maps?q&layer=c&cbll=-43.53141656892177,172.62880155274172)

## Nearby

- [Opening 2022: Boutique Arts Hotel](https://www.chch.live/business/opening-2022-boutique-arts-hotel-christchurch-central-city), Venues & events, 21 m
- [The Fudge Cottage at the Arts Centre](https://www.chch.live/business/the-fudge-cottage-at-the-arts-centre-christchurch-central-city), Delis, 21 m
- [The Arts Centre](https://www.chch.live/business/the-arts-centre-christchurch-central-city), Arts Centre, 26 m
- [Paint 'n' Sip Studio](https://www.chch.live/business/paint-n-sip-studio-christchurch-central-city), Bars & pubs, 28 m
- [Altiora Performing Arts Venue](https://www.chch.live/business/altiora-performing-arts-venue-christchurch-central-city), Business, 31 m
- [Frances Nation](https://www.chch.live/business/frances-nation-christchurch-central-city), Business, 31 m
- [Armagh Reserve](https://www.chch.live/park/1254-armagh-reserve), park, 335 m
- [Scott Statue Reserve](https://www.chch.live/park/1727-scott-statue-reserve), Botanic, 390 m
- [Bridge Of Remembrance](https://www.chch.live/park/1518-bridge-of-remembrance), Botanic, 406 m

_Source: [Environment Canterbury’s Canterbury Maps Parks layer](https://gis.ecan.govt.nz/arcgis/rest/services/Public/Canterbury_Maps/MapServer/26), refreshed 2026-10-10. Distances are straight-line from the business pin, not walking routes._
- [Rolleston Avenue](https://www.chch.live/facility/car-park-29), Car park, 118 m

## The nearest other cinemas & theatres

- [Lumiere Cinemas](https://www.chch.live/business/lumiere-cinemas-christchurch-central-city), Christchurch Central City, 31 m
- [Two Productions](https://www.chch.live/business/two-productions-christchurch-central-city), Christchurch Central City, 48 m
- [Little Andromeda](https://www.chch.live/business/little-andromeda-christchurch-central-city), Christchurch Central City, 463 m
- [Hoyts Cinema - Central (EntX)](https://www.chch.live/business/hoyts-cinema-central-entx-christchurch-central-city), Christchurch Central City, 692 m
- [Hoyts Entertainment Exchange](https://www.chch.live/business/hoyts-entertainment-exchange-christchurch-central-city), Christchurch Central City, 713 m
- [The Court Theatre](https://www.chch.live/business/the-court-theatre-christchurch-central-city), Christchurch Central City, 724 m
- [Isaac Theatre Royal](https://www.chch.live/business/isaac-theatre-royal-christchurch-central-city), Christchurch Central City, 800 m
- [Showbiz Christchurch (Christchurch Operatic Society)](https://www.chch.live/business/showbiz-christchurch-christchurch-operatic-society-christchurch-central-city), Christchurch Central City, 803 m
- [Every one in Christchurch Central City](https://www.chch.live/businesses/cinema#in-christchurch-central-city)

## Also in Christchurch Central City

- [Paint & Sip Studio](https://www.chch.live/business/paint-sip-studio-christchurch-central-city), Business, 31 m
- [Quad Eatery](https://www.chch.live/business/quad-eatery-ex-bunsen-christchurch-central-city), Restaurants, 31 m
- [Te Matatiki TOI ORA](https://www.chch.live/business/te-matatiki-toi-ora-christchurch-central-city), Venues & events, 31 m
- [Fragranzi Artisan Perfume Studio](https://www.chch.live/business/fragranzi-artisan-perfume-studio-christchurch-central-city), Business, 38 m
- [The Central Art Gallery](https://www.chch.live/business/the-central-art-gallery-christchurch-central-city), Museums, 48 m
- [Pumanawa Gallery](https://www.chch.live/business/pumanawa-gallery-christchurch-central-city), Galleries, 49 m
- [The Arts Centre Walking Tours](https://www.chch.live/business/the-arts-centre-walking-tours-christchurch-central-city), Attractions, 50 m
- [Quad Eatery](https://www.chch.live/business/quad-eatery-christchurch-central-city), Cafés, 51 m
- [The Observatory Hotel](https://www.chch.live/business/the-observatory-hotel-christchurch-central-city), Hotels, 56 m
- [Soul Jewellery Ltd](https://www.chch.live/business/soul-jewellery-ltd-christchurch-central-city), Business, 58 m
- [Every kind of business in Christchurch Central City](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city#s-biz)

## Doors

- [What stood on this ground](https://www.chch.live/before?lat=-43.53141656892177&lon=172.62880155274172)
- [On the map](https://www.chch.live/map#-43.53141656892177,172.62880155274172,17)
- [Documents that name it](https://www.chch.live/documents?q=The%20Free%20Theatre)
- [Christchurch Central City](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city), the suburb


## Questions, answered briefly

**What is The Free Theatre?**

A cinema or theatre in Christchurch Central City, Christchurch.

**Where is The Free Theatre?**

The Gym, Christchurch Arts Centre, 30 Worcester Boulevard, Central City, on [Worcester Boulevard](https://www.chch.live/street/christchurch-central-city/worcester-boulevard). [On the map →](https://www.chch.live/map#-43.53141656892177,172.62880155274172,17)

**Is The Free Theatre still trading?**

Listed only in the council’s Find Christchurch directory, a snapshot from about March 2024. No other source confirms it still trades, check before you go.

**How do you contact The Free Theatre?**

phone [021 025 61384](tel:02102561384) (Find Christchurch, 2024), its [website](http://www.freetheatre.org.nz/) (Find Christchurch, 2024), email [info@freetheatre.org.nz](mailto:info@freetheatre.org.nz) (Find Christchurch, 2024).

**What other cinemas & theatres are near The Free Theatre?**

[Lumiere Cinemas](https://www.chch.live/business/lumiere-cinemas-christchurch-central-city) (31 m), [Two Productions](https://www.chch.live/business/two-productions-christchurch-central-city) (48 m), [Little Andromeda](https://www.chch.live/business/little-andromeda-christchurch-central-city) (463 m), [every one in the city](https://www.chch.live/businesses/cinema).

**What’s near The Free Theatre?**

[the address’s own record](https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city/30-worcester-boulevard) holds 5 reports; 6 other premises within a short walk, nearest [Opening 2022: Boutique Arts Hotel](https://www.chch.live/business/opening-2022-boutique-arts-hotel-christchurch-central-city) (21 m); the Rolleston Ave near Gloucester St bus stop is 164 m away: route 8; a separated cycleway passes within 103 m; nearest park: [Armagh Reserve](https://www.chch.live/park/1254-armagh-reserve) (335 m).

**What stood where The Free Theatre is, before?**

[The heritage-register places nearest the pin →](https://www.chch.live/before?lat=-43.53141656892177&lon=172.62880155274172)

## Sources

- Find Christchurch, the council’s business directory, a snapshot last touched about March 2024 (CC BY 4.0)
- Christchurch District Plan layers, zones, commercial centres and scheduled heritage items, from the council’s open data (CC BY 4.0)
- Christchurch City Council off-street parking layer (CC BY 4.0)
- Environment Canterbury’s active resource consents, recorded where the consented activity happens (CC BY 4.0)
- Environment Canterbury’s Metro stop record, distances measured here from the pin
- Christchurch City Council’s cycleway layer, lanes, separated paths and the named Major Cycle Routes (CC BY 4.0)
- The business’s own website, read politely by chch.live for contact details the open record is missing, re-checked monthly
- Record assembled 2026-10-26

---
HTML: https://www.chch.live/business/the-free-theatre-christchurch-central-city
Directory: https://www.chch.live/businesses
Category: https://www.chch.live/businesses/cinema
Suburb: https://www.chch.live/christchurch-central-city