Central Goldfields Shire Council has secured $1.2 million in additional funding from the State Government for phases 2 and 3 of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery's revitalisation project.
The funding, announced yesterday (17/03), is part of the Victorian Government's Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round.
The investment complements the $500,000 Council announced in May last year for Stage 2 of the project as part of the Victorian Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund and Council's contribution of $273,000 in the 20/21 Budget.
The redevelopment will see the Gallery – located in the 1861 historic fire station - refurbished and extended, including opening the original fire doors at the front of the Gallery, increasing Gallery exhibition spaces and the installation of improved environmental and climate controls.
Also included will be remodelling to internal Gallery spaces, improved storage facilities for the Shire's art collection, creation of an open contemporary reception and improved accessibility and visitor services amenities. External landscaping including the installation of an Indigenous Interpretive Garden will round out the project.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said Council was thrilled to see further investment in one of the Shire's most significant tourism assets.
"Identified as a priority project in the Central Goldfields Shire Tourism and Events Strategy 2020-2025, and as one of Council's Priority Projects, we are thrilled we can now deliver this project in its entirety.
"This funding will allow the redevelopment project to get underway as soon as possible and it will also open up many new opportunities to a present a greater variety of art and exhibitions for the community and wider region.
"We are excited at the increased exhibition space and associated increase to the variety of exhibitions we will be able to present and the way in which visitors will be encouraged and welcomed to visit their very own local art gallery."
