The sold sign is up in Richmond West. After undertaking due diligence the Tasman Bays Heritage Trust has entered an unconditional agreement with Coman Group to acquire a greenfields site where a new storage facility will be built for the regional museum’s collection. Settlement date for the land purchase was 30 January 2026.

The Trust has purchased the land from Coman Group for the construction of fit-for-purpose Archives, Research and Collection facility (ARC) as the Isel Park building, which has housed the ARC since 1973, has deteriorated significantly during that time.

Lucinda Jimson, CEO of the museum, says it’s a pivotal moment in the museum's history. “The photo taken today will one day be added to the museum’s photographic archives as visual representation of a hugely historic milestone for the Trust.” Jimson has been at the museum for almost ten years and a move from the Isel Park facilities had been a focus during her entire tenure. “Getting this project off the ground has been a massive effort from our dedicated team of staff and trustees. It’s so exciting that we’re finally able to start building the facility the Nelson Tasman region so desperately needs.”

Ben Coman, Director at Coman Developments McShane Road Limited, says he is "delighted" to support the Tasman Bays Heritage Trust. "The facility will sit well within the rich tapestry of subdivision occupants, and it promises to be a well-designed and constructed facility. We are looking forward to seeing it come to fruition and are delighted to be playing a part in our region's history having a new home."

The Trust also this week signed a fixed price agreement with Justin Candish, Managing Director at Scott’s Construction, to build the ARC Facility. Site works will commence in February.

With the land purchase and the construction agreements both now signed, Jimson and her team have also finalised the interior design with Andrew Iriving, from local award-winning firm, Irving Smith Architects.

Venus Guy, Chair of the Tasman Bays Heritage Trust says, “It’s the next step to the construction feeling tangible. And it’s exciting, of course, to get stuck into the practicalities of where and how we best house our collection and archives. The design includes a research room, kai facilities, and a 30-person workshop presentation area where people can engage with taonga and get up close to the pieces we are so proud of.”

Guy says, “This milestone is an exciting step for the Trust, and we want to reassure everyone that the museum is staying right where it is, proudly presenting the region’s exhibitions throughout the project.“

Tasman Mayor Tim King also acknowledges the significance of this new building to the region. “It is pleasing to see the next steps being taken on this journey. Tasman has a rich history, much of which will be accessed through this facility. The fact our treasured past is being housed and cared for in the region’s newest suburb is not lost on me.”

A carpark in Church Street, Nelson was purchased in 2019 as the proposed site for the new ARC but a closure of a crucial government heritage fund required a location rethink by the Trust. The Church Street land has been sold, with the settlement date also 30 January.

Although the money for the new build has already been secured with grants from Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, Rātā Foundation, The Bett Trust and other supporters, the Trust still needs to raise $1.2m for fit-out. Coman Group also presented the Trust with a $20,000 donation for the project.

The museum started a ‘Name A Shelf’ fundraiser before Christmas and is also planning a gala dinner for June as another major fundraising event.

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