Bendigo council requests $21 million from state government for art gallery redevelopment

Bendigo’s council has asked the state government for $20 million to redevelop the town’s art gallery. See how it would be transformed.

Bendigo’s council has asked the state government for $20 million ahead of the budget to redevelop the town’s art gallery into a learning centre for students.

The redevelopment would also include an exhibition space on the second level, access to free and collection based exhibits, a space to store traditional aboriginal artefacts for the Dja Dja Wurrung people and a redeveloped restaurant

Mayor councillor Andrea Metcalf said council had been promoting the project to various relevant ministers and local members.

“The planned expansion will build on the gallery’s incredible success,” Ms Metcalf said.

“It is the right time to truly transform the building and cement the gallery as a leading arts institution in regional Australia.”

The council said it hoped the full amount would be funded in Tuesday’s budget but said it had other avenues, including the state election, should the bid fall short.

“Ideally we would welcome the full amount being funded through the state budget,” a council spokeswoman said.

Council and the art gallery’s board has already allocated $5.5 million to the project.

The art gallery is just one project the council has requested funding for.

Others include the Healthy Heart of Victoria initiative and road projects including the Howard Street intersection in Epsom.