Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry and Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams have had a ‘first look’ at the new $36.47 million Rockhampton Art Gallery.
Ms Landry said the Australian Government were proud to contribute $10 million in funding to the project which supported local businesses who provided goods and services throughout the construction.
“The project constructed a three-storey Art Gallery within the new Cultural Precinct in Rockhampton’s CBD, allowing the Art Gallery to better showcase and preserve its nationally significant collection, including artworks by Arthur Boyd and Sidney Nolan,” Ms Landry said.
“The Rockhampton Museum of Art consists of a lower gallery exhibition space, upper-level gallery, three education and access spaces, a retail shop, a restaurant/café and landscaping.
“The funding provided the relocation of the Rockhampton Art Gallery from an outdated facility to a new location which will form part of the Cultural Precinct, connecting heritage elements such as Customs House with contemporary art and culture.
“The project supported 115 jobs during construction and will create another approximately 200 ongoing jobs.”
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said it is fantastic to reach this stage of delivering the new Rockhampton Museum of Art.
“Our community has had a front row seat as this building has been constructed right in the heart of our CBD,” said Mayor Williams.
“There have been over 900 tradespeople involved over the life of this project – from demolition of the previous buildings to the completion of all building works.
“It’s been a huge project but walking through the building it’s clear that it has absolutely been worth it. There is so much potential here for our community, and at the moment this building offers an incredible blank canvas.
“Over the next few months, we’ll move in one of the most significant regional collections of Australian modern art and prepare to open the doors of this major arts hub to our community early next year.
“This project is a credit to what we can deliver for our community when all three levels of government work together.”
