By Gill Cooper
Council hopes to lure extra government funding to help expand Geelong Gallery’s operations into the historic Geelong Town Hall, as part of the City’s proposed $91 million dollar office project.
Geelong Gallery’s board members toured the building on Monday, as the City launched its community consultation process on its new civic office bid.
Gallery director Jason Smith said there was strong interest in expanding into the 163-year-old hall “in a manner that honour’s the building’s past … and realises its potential as a grand exhibition space and a leading 21st Century cultural facility.”
“Great cities all have great galleries and here is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a truly great gallery in Geelong.”
Deputy director Penny Whitehead said expanding the gallery as part of the civic office project would double its size and enable more art treasures to be on show.
“We are excited by this prospect and actively support council’s consultation process,” she said.
Geelong’s council wants to bring its 760 staff from eight existing bases into one new office in the city centre.
A recent project advisory committee report to council highlighted the need for input from interested members of the public on the project.
The report said extending the art gallery into other parts of the town hall may attract government funding in the city’s growing arts and cultural precinct.
Finance director Peter Anderson said the City was very interested to hear community views and would also invited feedback on design options for a new building at a later stage.
Submissions can be made online, by email or in writing and close 5pm 28 August 2018. For more information, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay
