City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Gallery are seeking support to proceed to design and advanced planning for the expansion of the gallery into City Hall and the adjoining conference centre.
Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the opening of the Wurriki Nyal precinct means City Hall will be reserved for civic and ceremonial events and the remaining space could be shared with the gallery to deliver drawcard exhibitions for the Geelong region.
“Geelong Gallery’s expansion is among council’s key priority projects, and we have been advocating to the federal and state governments to support this iconic redevelopment in our UNESCO City of Design,” Cr Sullivan said.
“The project will deliver significant benefits for the creative community, tourism growth and hospitality businesses – industries that were amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic.
“The business case, delivered in December 2021, details a robust and convincing argument for the Gallery’s expansion, and we now need federal and state investment to deliver this transformative project for our region.”
Cr Sullivan said an expansion of the gallery would help Geelong maximise the benefits of co-hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
“Geelong Gallery is a major cultural institution, and its expansion would provide a drawcard visitor experience and generate economic uplift during the games and beyond,” Cr Sullivan said.
Cr Sullivan said as well as delivering major national and international touring exhibitions, the expansion would enable the gallery to exhibit more of its nationally significant collection. Currently the Gallery can display only two per cent of its holdings.
“Geelong Gallery is one of the most esteemed in the country and we want to make the most of its collection,” Cr Sullivan said.
“With expanded and upgraded facilities the Geelong Gallery would attract 350,000 visitors per year by 2035.
“The redevelopment would deliver 25 full time jobs in the creative industry and 1200 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.”
Geelong Gallery director and chief executive Jason Smith said as Victoria’s second largest and fastest growing city, Geelong requires the significant infrastructural development to ensure its readiness and relevance to current and future generations.
“The redevelopment of Geelong Gallery through a proposed expansion, including into the historic City Hall will present a new model of a regional art gallery for the 21st century: it will be a contemporary architectural and design experience, and a cultural, learning, and social space that also honours the civic and ceremonial heritage of the City Hall,” Mr Smith said.
“The redevelopment project is ready for funding to proceed to detailed design, advanced planning for procurement, and construction.”
