Hunter Art Gallery expansion: Construction set to start as funding boost announced

It’s finally happening. After 17 years of talk, the Newcastle Art Gallery’s $39m construction is set to go ahead, with a promise of a bolstered tourism sector and a jobs boost for the arts.

It will be all systems go at the Newcastle Art Gallery on Monday as the long awaited expansion project gets underway after the NSW and federal governments agreed to a joint funding arrangement to give the green light.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and NSW Deputy Premier, Paul Toole were in Newcastle on Friday to deliver the funding shortfall of $10 million, which once complete will double the size of the facility.

“Our government wants regional Australian towns to be the places to live, work and visit,” the

Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we’re funding this. To ensure that Newcastle has the infrastructure and attractions

needed to bring more people here.”

The joint funding is the icing on the cake for the art facility, which has also seen Newcastle Council commit $16.2 million, while the Newcastle Art Foundation will deliver $12.5 million for the project.

The gallery has a collection of 7000 art works, valued at $115 million. Some of the works will tour the country while the facility is closed until mid-2024.

Newcastle art gallery director, Loretta Morton says the redevelopment will allow more works to be displayed and not warehoused.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce outside the Newcastle Art gallery where he announced funding for an expansion. Picture: Michael Cain

“Our building has stayed the same, without any modification for 44 years. This will allow a lot more art to be put out on display. At the moment the exhibits we’re got only displays two per cent a year,” Ms Morton said.

The construction, which will start as early as next week, will include an extra 1600sq m of

exhibition space, a loading dock and cafe.

It is expected to create nearly 200 construction jobs, and once complete, and extra 17

employees.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the announcement will see the city’s art scene thrive into the future.

“We expect around 15,000 more tourists a year come to Newcastle. We’re excited that this project is finally going ahead. It’ll really put Newcastle on the international and cultural map,” Nelmes said.

After struggling to secure funding, Newcastle councillors voted last year to bump up the city’s

contribution to the gallery project to over $16 million.

The announcement ends a long running saga as the expansion has been on the table for 17 years.

The city was forced to hand back $7 million in federal funding in 2014 after the NSW government refused to finance the works.

NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole looked at the current reasoning for the funding.

“We’ve had a look at this project and we now see the worthiness of this project, it’s going to drive the economy.”

Historic Maitland Gaol will also receive $10 million joint funded handout by both governments and go toward delivering elements of its Development Plan and Site Master Plan.

The money will help Maitland City Council realise its ambitions for the heritage listed site, which includes a boutique on-site accommodation and a 200-seat theatre.

Joyce bristled when asked if pork barrelling before an upcoming election played a factor in the funding announcements.

“I’m not embarrassed to drive a project through so they actually get it. People can say what they like. They never complain when it happens in Sydney apparently that’s OK, but if you chuck a few million dollars up this way, you’re the worst person on earth,” Joyce said.