Construction is about to start on the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment - the largest ever civic infrastructure project to be delivered by the City of Greater Bendigo.
A sod turning ceremony held today marked the beginning of the project, which will be delivered by local company Fairbrother Construction.
The project is expected to create an additional 260 jobs in the local construction sector and an additional 170 jobs in the local economy when the Gallery reopens in 2028.
Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the project team was ready for the task ahead.
"Today we take the next step on this exciting journey to creating a building of national and international significance," Cr Prince said.
"This will be a vibrant and timeless building that will serve our community for decades to come, while contributing to Victoria's visitor economy and reinforcing Bendigo's status as a cultural capital in regional Australia."
Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot said the Gallery had been completely emptied and all artwork safely stored, ready for construction to start.
"We are excited to mark the start of the construction process and begin the Gallery's transformation," Ms Bridgfoot said.
"Together with Fairbrother Construction, we are looking forward to delivering a world-class Gallery space for our community and future generations.
"In the meantime, we will continue to bring exciting arts and culture offerings to Bendigo, starting with the CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO? Bricks exhibition at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre, which opens on March 3."
To ensure View Street remains a lively shopping and dining hub during construction, the View Street Amplified program starts on February 28 and will run every month until November.
The free event will showcase upbeat, contemporary musicians, who will perform on the steps of The Capital from 11am - 3pm. View Street businesses are encouraged to participate through market-style offerings to bring added vibrancy to the street. February's acts include Deano Stanton at 11am, Grim Fawkner at 12pm and Tuck Shop Ladies at 1pm.
The Gallery also has a series of large-scale artist-led events and public artworks planned for the View Street precinct commencing in 2026 and extending into 2027.
Hoarding will be installed around the perimeter of the Gallery later this month, which is intended to be an 'outdoor gallery' featuring a curated collection of Gallery works.
The redevelopment project is funded by a $21M investment from the Victorian Government, $9M from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4M from the Gallery Board, and more than $9.35M in philanthropic support, including major contributions of $4M from the Sidney Myer Fund and $3M from The Ian Potter Foundation.
