The Barossa Council has received multi-million dollar funding partnership support from the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments, with the announcement of two successful grants to deliver the vision for a Barossa Creative Industries Centre, which has been a generation in the making.
Council will redevelop Barossa Regional Gallery at Tanunda into a landmark $13.92 million cultural hub and creative industry precinct.
Council this week received $6,961,000 for the Centre under the Albanese Commonwealth Government's Growing Regions Program - Round 1, as well as $500,000 to develop the external precinct under the Malinauskas State Government's Open Space grant program.
Mayor Bim Lange said it was a game-changer for the region, delivering a facility that will stand alongside other iconic, nationally-recognised centres.
"This investment will transform Barossa Regional Gallery into a true cultural precinct, showcasing our heritage, culture and creative industries on a national and international stage," Mayor Lange said.
"As well as being a tourism drawcard that complements our wine, food, recreation venues and stunning vistas, the benefits of this facility go far beyond one single industry or economy.
This facility will create new and exciting opportunities to support social inclusion, education, networking and skills development in our region, contributing to a greater sense of community wellbeing and cohesion.
"And importantly, this centre will tell our Barossa story in its entirety, shining a light on First Nations and European heritage and our shared history, and providing a focal point for creative expression and interpretation."
The Commonwealth-funded Centre will incorporate digital technology across the precinct and feature wide-ranging facilities including performance and exhibition spaces, arts studio and workshop spaces, broadcasting and production suites, heritage and music education facilities and residency program capability.
The State Government-funded external open space will feature new and flexible spaces for people to come together and enjoy outdoor events, performances and curated open spaces.
This will activate the Centre by providing a natural connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and expanding the cultural experience for people visiting the Centre.
Mayor Lange thanked both staff and community members who have contributed to the masterplanning, engagement and funding processes since the project was initiated in 2018, noting the very first conversations about a regional gallery began in 1998 with a group of passionate volunteers.
"It's been a long haul to reach this point, which is the result of extensive community partnerships and support. I'm thrilled the Commonwealth and State Governments have awarded this funding on merit, recognising the importance of investing in regional areas like the Barossa," Mayor Lange said.
"As a Council we're genuinely excited for our local creative sector - the visual and performing artists, people with disability and students who will benefit from this facility - as well as the visitors who will make the Barossa a destination because of these contemporary new facilities."
Mayor Lange recognised and thanked the Hon Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and the Hon Nick Champion, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Housing Infrastructure and Planning.
With development approval already granted, the shovel-ready project is expected to take 18 months with an estimated completion date late in 2025.
