$7.96m Stanthorpe Library and Art Gallery revamp unveiled, opening date revealed

A major Southern Downs project, valued at $7.96m, is finally open after being plagued by delays. Here’s when you can check in and check out a book.

Artist rendering of the Stanthorpe Art Gallery and Library from February 2024 (Photo: SDRC)

Six months ago the fate of a major project in the Granite Belt was seemingly up in the air after the collapse of the construction firm behind it.

From today, the $7.96m project has been finally officially unveiled to the public with residents able to return to the new-look Stanthorpe Library and Art Gallery following it’s expansion project.

The new precinct, dubbed as “state of the art” by Southern Downs Regional Council, will open on Friday, August 9.

Stanthorpe Art Gallery under construction in 2023. (Photo: SDRC)

Stanthorpe’s newly expanded creative hub boasts more space, enhanced services, modern fit-out and improved fire safety for millions of dollars of artwork and books.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, said the precinct will improve literature, arts and cultural experiences for the Stanthorpe community and help secure the town’s status as a cultural hub in the region.

“Importantly, the development features a storage solution that minimises the risk of fire damage and is a significant improvement towards protecting the libraries records and history of the community,” Senator Chisholm said.

“This is yet another demonstration of the Australian government’s ongoing commitment to investing in local priority infrastructure and community projects in our regional town centres.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm with Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton at the revamped Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery and Library precinct. August 9, 2024. (Photo: SDRC)

Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the opening was a “great day” for Stanthorpe, as the art gallery and library was “beloved” and held a “very special place” in the town’s history and culture.

“It is also a wonderful day for our talented artists, literary enthusiasts, dedicated staff and valued volunteers who now have the opportunity to see this dream project come to fruition,” Ms Hamilton said.

“This rejuvenation project is also more than simply art and literature – it’s about building community spirit, showcasing exceptional local talent and enhancing our region’s liveability to visitors as a must-see arts and cultural destination.”

The news comes after former contractors, national firm St Hilliers, entered into administration in February.

The construction giant called in administrators halting work on more than 20 projects across Australia.

The firm was handling the Stanthorpe Art Gallery and Library upgrade project, valued at $6.1m, as well as work on RAAF Amberley base, east of Cunninghams Gap.

Southern Downs Regional Council were quick to reappoint a new contractor, with Australian company ICM Construction finishing off the project.

Concept designs from Conrad Gargett shows what a new Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery could have looked like when proposed in 2022. (Photo: File)

The gallery and library holds more than $4m worth of content, including approximately $3m of artworks, and $1m in books.

Announced in 2022, fears for the safety of staff as well as the collection in the art gallery caused council to begin planning on the project.

The gallery said in 2022 art, including works by Olley and Picasso, was stored in the same room as the electrical switches, which pose significant risk to the art and personnel.

The project has no doubt been divisive however, with some residents expressing the new-look building “looks like a kindy” or “the entrance to a playground”.

“Sorry but it looks like a showers/toilet block of a beachside council somewhere,” Ryan Gibbs wrote on Facebook.

“It does seem like a strange colour scheme,” Patricia Crome said.

“Clean, tidy, vibrant and the colours will certainly entice young people to be interested in gracing the doors to discover the fantastic world of books at everyone’s disposal... Change can sometimes be scary but embrace can also be enlightening,” Tammy Robinson said.

The project created 37 jobs during construction, as well as another two ongoing jobs.

The construction received $2m in funding from the Australian Government, with Southern Downs Regional Council contributing the remainder.