Construction progress reveals first view of expanded Newcastle Art Gallery
- intouch Magazine
- May 6
- 2 min read
Novocastrians are being given their first view of Newcastle Art Gallery's significantly expanded footprint as the scaffolding starts to come down around the once-in-a generation project.
New frontages along Darby, Queen and Laman streets have been exposed as the exterior nears completion, revealing walls of glass along the ground floor and a modern architectural design sympathetic to the original building's iconic Brutalist style.
The windows along Darby Street will soon also offer a view of the Gallery's latest commission, designed by Newcastle-based artist Maggie Hensel-Brown, which will be installed next month.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said it was exciting to be able to give locals a taste of what is to come at the reimagined Gallery.
"Throughout the construction period, we've been able to share glimpses of the work happening inside the gallery, but the removal of the scaffolding allows our community to better appreciate the significance of the building's physical expansion," Ms Morton said.
"By extending the building's footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street, we're able to more than double the size of the Gallery, which will provide greater access to one of Australia's most significant public collections of art and a wider range of prominent local, national and international exhibitions.
"To celebrate the new spaces, we're commissioning and acquiring several new works of art for specific sites within the expanded Gallery.
"This includes working with local artist Maggie Hensel-Brown, whose intricate needle lace work, Process, progress, repeat will be photographically reproduced and installed during June across the windows in the Gallery's Learning Studio, which fronts onto Darby Street.
"It's fantastic to see all elements of the construction progress, ahead of the commissioning of the gallery spaces and our planned reopening in September."
The removal of the scaffolding and hoarding is also making way for work to refresh the public spaces surrounding the Art Gallery.
This will include renewing the footpaths, seating and lighting, completing new landscaping and undertaking important stormwater and drainage upgrades.
Visit City of Newcastle's project page to stay up-to-date with the latest progress.
The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation's public fundraising campaign.
