Gallery funded after plan to crash new library

STATE Government has announced an expansion of Geelong Gallery three months after the Independent revealed the gallery’s plan to gate-crash a new library and heritage centre for more space.
The Government today confirmed a $100,000 grant for a business plan to upgrade the gallery.
Premier Denis Napthine said growth in visitation to almost 70,000 patrons a year was behind the expansion plan.
“Over coming months a range of options for refurbishment and expansion will be assessed to ensure the City of Greater Geelong can make an informed decision, based on costs and benefits to the community,” Mr Naphtine said.
“It is expected any proposed redevelopment will provide the Geelong Gallery with greater options to host travelling exhibitions, increase capacity of its programs and education activities and make access to its own collection easier.”
Gallery president Terry Wills Cooke said the funding came “at just the right time”.
The Independent revealed in December plans for the library to occupy part of the neighbouring library and heritage centre after its $45 million redevelopment.
The gallery hoped to “share” 220 square metres of first-floor space.
Heritage portfolio councillor Tony Ansett demanded assurances the arrangement would be only a “temporary solution” to the gallery’s space shortage.
He wanted the ground floor utilised for showcases of local museum and heritage artefacts.
Council expects more than 100,000 patrons a year for the dome-shaped, six-storey library and heritage centre.