23 March 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

Former Dunedin art gallery’s future assured

Binding heritage conditions safeguarding the future of the former Art Gallery at Logan Park in Dunedin has resulted in the New Zealand Historic Places Trust supporting its proposed redevelopment.

The Dunedin City Council is about to apply for a Resource Consent which would allow it to modify the Category I-registered historic building built to host the South Seas International Exhibition in 1925/26. The modifications will include alterations to the Sargood Wing, a later addition to the original building.

“This is the best outcome for heritage we could hope to achieve for preserving its intrinsic heritage values, with a heritage covenant put in place to protect its future,” NZHPT Otago/Southland Area Manager Owen Graham said.

“NZHPT is very pleased to have been involved in these discussions with the council to help achieve a suitable outcome for the city, heritage and New Zealand cricket.

“While full retention of this iconic Dunedin landmark would have been the ideal outcome, this is a practical and pragmatic decision made with the council that opens the way for continued use of the building as part of the wider community.”

Mr Graham said the former Art Gallery appeared to be the only surviving in situ building from any of the exhibitions held in New Zealand.

“Most exhibition buildings and sites were designed to be temporary, so this building has particular heritage and historical significance in it being an extremely rare reminder of one of the most important international events held in New Zealand in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.”

ENDS

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