Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery and Library upgrade plans, opening date revealed

An expected opening date has been announced for Stanthorpe’s brand new library and art gallery, which boasts a collection worth millions, almost a year since it was announced. Here’s when it’s expected to open, and how it might look.

Stanthorpe's new library and art gallery is expected to be completed in March, 2024 (Photo: SDRC)

Stanthorpe’s brand new library and art gallery has an expected opening date almost a year after upgrade plans were first announced.

Millions of dollars of artwork and books will have improved protection when the newest art gallery in the Southern Downs is complete in March 2024.

In a statement last week, Southern Downs Regional Council said works were being accelerated to meet the new deadline and confirmed the bones of the new building had been completed.

Stanthorpe's new library and art gallery is expected to be completed in March, 2024 (Photo: SDRC)

“Stanthorpe is a thriving creative hub and expanding the gallery and library precinct will contribute to greater liveability of the Southern Downs as a whole,” the council said.

“This expansion further enhances the services and provide the library’s $1m collection of books with a better home and the art gallery’s circa $2.5m art collection with a safe storage solution. This is a significant improvement to protecting our history and our assets.”

There has been an air of mystery surrounding the completion of the new project since it was first announced in October 2022.

The previous building, built in 1988, housed the work of Picasso and Margaret Olley, and kept art in the same room as the electrical switches, which posed significant risk to the art and personnel.

Concept designs from Conrad Gargett show what a new Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery could look like.

Stanthorpe Art Gallery manager Mary Findlay told this publication in 2022 that the art gallery boasted a strong reputation across the state.

“We have a small community and it really is an outstanding gallery for such a town, we have an extremely good reputation across the state,” Mrs Findlay said.

“The gallery is beautiful and I’m glad were staying where we are, we have easy accessibility for local people which is the most important thing.”

Residents can visit the Stanthorpe Customer Service Centre library services and the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery will hold exhibitions in the Stanthorpe Civic Centre while constructions are being complete.