Art Gallery development going well

17 March 2004

Council paints good picture for Art Gallery development

Auckland City has committed $1.8 million from next year’s budget to commission preliminary designs for a major development of the Auckland Art Gallery.

The council’s Combined Committees approved this funding as part of a $20 million package for the development over the next five years.

The total cost for this seismic strengthening and heritage protection development is $75 million. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is planning to pursue a range of external funding sources for the $55 million balance.

The Art Gallery development is part of Auckland City’s Auckland’s CBD Into the Future strategy to revitalise the central business district, making it one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic business and cultural centres

“The seismic strengthening work is essential and the council is looking to take advantage of this opportunity to develop the gallery, cementing its place as a premium arts asset for the Auckland region and the country,” said Deputy Mayor David Hay.

The Art Gallery development would require the gallery to be closed for up to 27 months. During this time exhibitions would continue to be held at the New Gallery.

“The Auckland region is growing rapidly and the Art Gallery provides a cornerstone facility for a world-class city that is able to compete on the international stage. The development will further improve the contribution the gallery makes to tourism and economic growth while offering a dynamic place of recreation, learning and leisure for Aucklanders,” said Mr Hay.

Auckland City has committed $1.8 million in funding for the next financial year (1 July 2004 – 30 June 2005). The balance of the council’s contribution ($18.2 million) is conditional on the total project funding being sourced.

The public will be able to comment on the proposal as part of the Long-Term Council Community Plan (Focus on the Future 2004-2014), which will be available for public consultation from 22 April to 21 May.

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