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New designs, development application filed for Aboriginal art gallery in Alice Springs

The public have until late August to have their say on a “re-scoped” art gallery proposal in Alice Springs.

The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied
The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied

The public have until late August to have their say on a “re-scoped” art gallery proposal in Alice Springs, as the CLP government unveils the latest designs for a divisive art gallery in the centre of town.

On Friday morning, Territory Treasurer Bill Yan unveiled the latest designs for the “re-scoped” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia, now set to be located on the carpark at Anzac Oval in the Alice Springs CBD.

Northern Territory Treasurer Bill Yan talks to the media in the Todd Mall earlier this year. Picture: Gera Kazakov
Northern Territory Treasurer Bill Yan talks to the media in the Todd Mall earlier this year. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“This gallery will be a world-class cultural landmark that celebrates the world’s oldest living cultures, while driving jobs, tourism, and economic growth for Alice Springs,” according to Mr Yan.

A development application for the project also opened to public consultation on Friday, with the public having until August 22 to provide their feedback on the proposal.

The long running project was put on halted last year after the CLP stormed to victory in the August NT election.

In November last year, minister for lands, planning and environment Josh Burgoyne unveiled a new masterplan for the site, shifting the proposed gallery from Anzac Oval to the Wills Tce carpark.

Minister for Planning, Lands, and Environment Josh Burgoyne in Alice Springs announcing the new Anzac Oval masterplan on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Picture: Gera Kazakov
Minister for Planning, Lands, and Environment Josh Burgoyne in Alice Springs announcing the new Anzac Oval masterplan on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Picture: Gera Kazakov

In November, he said the project will stay within it’s $150 million budget.

Mr Yan said the project is “affordable” with the projected expected to stay within budget.

Territory construction firm Sitzler are set to build the gallery, which will be completed by 2027, Mr Yan said on Friday.

The new designs feature a three storey building which has a public cafe “specialist facilities” such as a “secure loading dock, conservation and registration spaces, and staff areas,” according to the government release spruiking the update.

The “re-scoped” gallery is set to be 4000 sqm, 1300 of which will be exhibition space.

Carparking at the site is also set to get a significant upgrade, with the former Anzac Oval High School site is going to be turned into carparking for both the oval and the gallery.

A mural opposing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery Australia on Anzac Oval out the front of a home in Alice Springs. Picture: Gera Kazakov
A mural opposing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery Australia on Anzac Oval out the front of a home in Alice Springs. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The gallery was first proposed in 2017, but has been met with opposition by some traditional owners and members of the community who wanted it built south of Heavitree Gap.

The 2025-26 NT government budget sets out $123.5m for the delivery of the art gallery, while the federal government has previously committed $80m to the project.

See the new designs:

The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied
The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied
The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied
The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied
The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied
The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied
The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied
The CLP government have unveiled the 50 per cent designs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, expected to be completed in 2027. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as New designs, development application filed for Aboriginal art gallery in Alice Springs

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/new-designs-development-application-filed-for-aboriginal-art-gallery-in-alice-springs/news-story/30c93f71033ebdd526278b479192ffac