METRONEWS
© New Zealand Broadcasting School 2025

Outgoes Winnie Bagoes, in comes The Assembly

Aimee Stanton
Assembly AimeeNZBS 061125
The Assembly is located on the corner of Madras and Allen streets, not far from Christchurch's SALT district.  Aimee Stanton/NZBS

The brand-new 700-capacity venue is opening tomorrow in the heart of Ōtautahi.

With many venues across Ōtautahi facing a hard time, The Assembly is set to revitalise the event space. 

Music and events promoter Audiology Touring founder, Mitch Lowe, says it’s the only venue in Christchurch with that mid-sized capacity.

“It is exactly what Christchurch needs.”

He says The Assembly is perfect for everything, from live gigs to weddings.

The venue will take over the old Winnie Bagoes location on the corner of Madras and Allen Streets, and will retain the old industrial feel, keeping the ‘New Zealand’s Best Pizza’ painting on the wall.  

Winnie Bagoes occupied the building from 2013 to 2019 after the earthquakes destroyed their original home.

The site now is taking on a new life, helping to draw people back into the city’s centre.

The venue will kick off their opening with the Mystery Festival afterparty, followed by Kirollus’ Disco Down Under on Saturday.