David Roche Foundation House Museum $16m makeover plans revealed

New images reveal how a private North Adelaide museum will turn into a premier tourist destination attracting international art enthusiasts.

A shop, cafe, library and art studio and new auditorium are part of plans to redevelop the David Roche Foundation House Museum in North Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

New images reveal how a private North Adelaide museum will turn into a premier tourist destination attracting international art enthusiasts, complete with a $6m auditorium.

The $16m four-part plan to rejuvenate the David Roche Foundation House Museum, on Melbourne St, is out for consultation until October 11.

The building houses the collection of the late property developer David Roche of more than 3600 works, predominantly English, French and Russian from the 18th and 19th centuries.

In May, The Advertiser revealed the foundation’s plans to convert the museum, which opened in 2016, into a “unique cultural hub” complete with a 350-person auditorium.

The proposed Martyn Cook Library. Picture: PlanSA/Williams Burton Leopardi Architects

The museum’s courtyard view. Picture: PlanSA/Williams Burton Leopardi Architects

The plan also includes four high-end boutique apartments on the building’s second floor, a restaurant, cafe, studio workshop spaces, library and galleries.

The aim is to elevate the worldwide perception of Adelaide as centre for the arts by developing the museum into a cultural hub attracting interstate and international visitors.

The David Roche Foundation House Museum’s admin/finance co-ordinator Jayne Bailes with Museum Director Robert Reason. Picture: Keryn Stevens

David Roche Foundation Museum entry view. Picture: PlanSA/Williams Burton Leopardi Architects

The foundation estimates the redevelopment, added exhibitions and lectures would help attract more than 25,000 visitors per year – a five-fold increase.

Currently, the museum’s full art collection is not on display due to space limitations.

The plan, which will double the museum’s footprint, has been designed by Williams Burton Leopardi Architects will need about $10m in funding from state and federal governments and stakeholders. It is being assessed by the State Planning Commission.