Gehry-designed New York theatre to open by 2012

The $60-million Signature Theatre is to be built on 42nd Street in New York's theatre row.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged $25 million toward the project on Tuesday, meaning the independent theatre company now has $41 million US toward the cost of construction.

The Signature Theatre company, which devotes its entire season to the work of a single playwright, was planning a move to Ground Zero.

But construction on the Ground Zero site has been delayed and the theatre began looking for alternatives. It struck a deal with Related Companies, who are building a hotel and residential complex on the 42nd Street site, to get theatre space on the ground floor of the building.

In return, Related Companies got permission for additional density from the city.

Gehry, whose practice is based in Los Angeles, is to design a 70,000-square-foot theatre complex that includes two rehearsal studios, a café and a bookstore.

Signature has requested a 750-seat theatre, and will be moving out of a space that currently seats 160. The company has produced plays by Edward Albee, John Guare, Paula Vogel and August Wilson.

The theatre is expected to open in 2012.