Quay Street's newest landmark, the Rockhampton Museum of Art, is beginning to take shape with works on the second level of the three storey building now underway.
The development, next to the city's iconic Customs House, spans from Quay Street overlooking the stunning Riverside through to Quay Lane and will be almost six times the size of the existing Rockhampton Art Gallery when complete.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said construction is tracking on schedule with construction now 50% complete.
"The project was well committed before COVID-19 and will be a beacon project for us to celebrate as we focus on pushing our economy along," Mayor Strelow said.
"The structural framework is making great headway – the first floor concrete slab is complete, walls have been erected, and works are now in progress on the second floor.
"Around September we anticipate the roof will go on and once façade works commence later this year the structure will begin to resemble the architect's images and we will see the design really take shape.
"I commend the State and Federal Government for seeing the value in this project. It is already opening the door to new and exciting opportunities that will show the rest of Australia that the Rockhampton Region is a maturing destination for cultural tourism."
The Rockhampton Museum of Art will feature two large flexible gallery spaces, three multi-purpose education spaces, increased collection storage areas, a restaurant and retail space and a function space on the top floor overlooking the River.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new Rockhampton Museum of Art, which her government has invested $15 million in, was a critical project for the region.
"This project is not only keeping locals in jobs during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic but when finished would drive tourism to the region for years to come," the Premier said.
"The new gallery, constructed by Rockhampton-based Woollam Constructions, has provided much needed employment opportunities for the region with building work continuing throughout the COVID-19 restrictions.
"The project is supporting more than 100 jobs during the construction period and around 80 per cent of subcontractors are locally based.
"Construction is at the half-way mark and it's fantastic to see this incredible project coming to life which will bolster the city's reputation as the vibrant home to the one of the nation's leading regional galleries.
"It will be a significant tourism driver to the city supporting regional employment, which is an important element of the Palaszczuk Government's recovery plan: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs.
"When it's finished, the museum will house the works of some of Australia's most significant artists including Arthur Boyd, Russell Drysdale, Sidney Nolan, Jeffrey Smart and Margaret Olley."
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said she is looking forward to seeing the Rockhampton Art Gallery become a draw card for tourists from all around the country.
"Rockhampton Art Gallery will showcase artwork and pieces that are not only culturally important to the local area but also culturally important to Australia.
"The project is jointly funded with the Coalition Government contributing $10 million, funded under its Building Better Regions Fund," Ms Landry said.
The construction of the Rockhampton Museum of Art is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council.
