SA Liberals propose national Aboriginal Art and Culture Gallery, high-end hotel for old RAH site

AUSTRALIA’S leading indigenous art gallery would become the centrepiece of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site, under a bold new Liberal redevelopment plan that includes a man-made waterway and high-end hotel.

An artist impression of the Liberals’ proposed national Aboriginal Art and Culture Gallery for the old RAH site.

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AUSTRALIA’S leading indigenous art gallery would become the centrepiece of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site, under a bold new Liberal redevelopment plan.

With two and a half weeks until the state election, The Advertiser can reveal the Opposition’s full plan for the prime CBD site, including space for a new high-end hotel.

Labor released its vision last week, featuring space for a high tech innovation hub and the possibility of a contemporary art gallery being added if it is re-elected.

An artist impression of the proposed national Aboriginal Art and Culture Gallery.

Another view of the proposed national Aboriginal Art and Culture Gallery.

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said Adelaide had a chance to create an exciting point of difference to other capital cities, by constructing a snakelike indigenous art gallery to be filled with a priceless collection of artefacts that are currently in storage.

Liberal designs for the build include a long waterway separating the site from the Botanic Gardens, with walkways for pedestrian access.

Beside the river is a path that snakes along the eastern flank of the old RAH site from North Tce to Adelaide Zoo.

A string-shaped indigenous art gallery is raised from the path, and retreats from North Tce, with views looking back across the water and Botanic Gardens in the east.

Mr Marshall said other states like Tasmania had witnessed a surge in tourism numbers and investment since developments like the apple isle’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona).

However, he said an indigenous gallery would make Adelaide stand out as a must-see and unique destination for visitors who would then tour and spend in SA’s regions.

“Australia doesn’t have a national Aboriginal art and culture centre,” Mr Marshall said.

“SA is the logical place for it. We have one of the most exciting CBD sites in the country. We have the collection. But, most importantly, we have the need.”

The proposed hotel for the old RAH site.

He said exceptional artefacts were in storage and at risk of damage during rain.

Mr Marshall on Monday revealed “phase one” of his old RAH plan, using heritage buildings on the site for a start-up business hub led by SA’s first chief entrepreneur.

He then added a new $60 million international food and hospitality school for the site.

Mr Marshall’s full plan includes space for a hotel adjacent the art gallery, which he said would go ahead if there were market demand, and room for other developments.

That could later include a second gallery dedicated to contemporary art, he said.

The total overhaul of the site is expected to take more than a decade. Mr Marshall said construction of the art gallery would begin as soon as possible after the demolition of existing buildings, which could take several years.

The Liberals have also proposed an international culinary school.

The cost has not been revealed, but Mr Marshall pledged it would be in the Liberals’ final campaign costings document.

Labor has said 2ha of the site would go to more Botanic Gardens.

Mr Marshall would not commit to a firm figure but said his design “creates an incredible interface” with the existing Parklands and would include significant green space for public use.

Before the last election, the Liberals said the site should retain hospital services, which could be opened for research and private operators.

Labor said its redevelopment would feature a new high school, which was later moved to land north of the old RAH site.

They can picture the benefits

FOR artists such as Fregon’s Witjiti George and Manyitjanu Lennon, a new National Gallery of Aboriginal Art and Culture could make Adelaide the gateway not only to the Outback, but also for greater employment and economic opportunities.

Elder and artist Witjiti George at Kaltjiti Arts in Fregon.

Mrs Manyitjanu Lennon at Kaltjiti Arts in Fregon.

Skye O’Meara, manager of the APY Art Centre Collective which represents 10 indigenous-owned enterprises in the state’s far northwest, said a national gallery in Adelaide could have enormous benefits for the remote communities.

“Having a base in Adelaide that allows pathways for people to learn more about Anangu law and culture ... is a really exciting opportunity,’’ Ms O’Meara said.

“Adelaide is in a unique position in regard to placement. With the Tarnanthi Festival (staged by the Art Gallery of SA every two years) the increase of audiences to indigenous art and culture has been really significant. We’re experiencing that as directly as possible in our sales.’’

On Sunday, 27 former APY Lands artists who now live in Adelaide for reasons including access to health services, met with the aim of forming a new indigenous arts centre at Port Adelaide, to be called Iwiri which means “the roots”.

“They feel it’s the roots of the tree that is coming from the APY Lands,’’ Ms O’Meara said.

“That in itself shows a need to grow in this area.

“It’s the space for jobs and employment, it’s the cultural place that Anangu (people) cling to most.’’

— Patrick McDonald