Media release – 31 October 2017

Council backs Sarjeant Redevelopment

Whanganui District Council has thrown its weight behind a proposed $34.9 million re-development of the historic Sarjeant Gallery to help secure $16 million of Government funding that will get the project across the line.

Mayor Hamish McDouall says the conditional Government funding depends on specific fundraising targets being met by December 20, resulting in the Council’s decision to act as a guarantor for $3.9 million dollars that has yet to be raised.

“The Sarjeant Gallery Trust has raised ninety percent of the required funding to date which is an outstanding achievement.

“Our confident expectation is that the remainder will be achieved through fundraising and that in the final analysis, this amount will not be required at all from the Council.”

He says the decision is not expected to have any immediate financial impact for the Council and no funding will be sought for the redevelopment project as part of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan process.

“The redevelopment of the Sarjeant Gallery has the potential to bring millions of dollars into our local economy.”

He says the national significance of the gallery and its remarkable and extensive collection has already attracted cash and pledges from outside the region of around $20 million – including the conditional Government funding.

Mayor McDouall says councillors went into confidence to make the decision. “As part of the process we needed to consider the context of existing contributions and pledges from private individuals and we did not want to compromise their privacy.”

“I am personally delighted our Council has reached this decision. It sends a strong message that we are invested in growth and development for Whanganui.”

Trust chairman Nicola Williams says the endorsement from Whanganui District Council is vital in helping ensure the preservation of a heritage building and a nationally significant collection that includes works spanning 400 years of international and New Zealand art history.

“I believe this is a forward thinking move from a progressive and positive council and we are now entering a new and exciting phase of our capital raising plan.

“The Sarjeant Gallery is an extraordinary and valuable asset for Whanganui and it also occupies an important place in New Zealand’s national and regional arts infrastructure.

“Whanganui ratepayers can be absolutely assured that fundraising efforts will be continuing as we seek support from corporates and small business, individuals, philanthropists and

charitable trusts around the country who share our passion for the gallery and the Sarjeant collection.”

In the same meeting the Council adopted a procurement plan to engage a main contractor for the Sarjeant Redevelopment. The plan includes a guaranteed maximum price contract which will ensure there are no cost escalations during the construction period.

Notes to Editor:

The Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui has been an institution of national importance since its opening in 1919. It is one of New Zealand’s most important heritage buildings but it is earthquake-prone, rated at only 5% of the current New Building Standard. The Gallery’s art collection is also of national importance, with some 8,000 works ranging from 16th Century European pieces to modern New Zealand art works in the care of Sarjeant Gallery staff.

In 2010, the then Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Chris Finlayson expressed strong support for the development of a capital programme of works to protect the building and ensure the safety of the public, staff and the collections.

The Regional Culture and Heritage Grant of $10 million, announced on 24 November 2016 and the Department of Internal Affairs, Lotteries Grants Board Significant Projects Fund grant of $6 million are time-limited offers expiring 5.00 pm 20 December 2017 and subject to conditions, including meeting fundraising commitments.

For information on how to support the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project visit: www.sarjeant.org.nz/join-us/

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