Plea for patience as city cultural drawcard slips behind schedule
Designs for an Aboriginal arts and culture centre in Adelaide’s CBD are too important to rush, leaders say, as they call for patience and time to perfect their plans.
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An Aboriginal Elder has urged patience as work on a major CBD cultural centre falls behind schedule.
The planned Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre at Lot Fourteen on Adelaide’s North Tce, was due to have a design brief agreed on by the end of this month.
The State Government has confirmed it is behind schedule but argued that construction is still expected to begin in 2022.
Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage chair Jeffrey Newchurch told The Advertiser talks have been productive.
“What is most critical is that we are on this journey together, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people,” he said.
“We need to have patience because it is critical that we get the design and the opportunity right. It is a big opportunity for the city of Adelaide, but also for the state of South Australia.”
Premier Steven Marshall agreed.
“It’s really important we get this right and it’s not rushed,” Mr Marshall said.
“Extensive and complex consultation with the indigenous community has been completed.
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“The key outcomes of 12 months of consultation with Aboriginal leaders and organisations are now being used to inform the next stages of the project.”
The Morrison Government has committed $85 million to support the construction of the Centre.
The State Government has committed a further $65 million.
Mr Marshall said a business case, due for completion soon, would outline the economic and social benefits of the investment and include a proposed governance, operating and funding model.
“It is expected that construction of the centre will commence in 2022.”