Revealed: Bold new designs and master plan to connect Cairns’ arts precinct
Plans to build a stunning arts and cultural space on the Cairns Esplanade have been revealed just weeks after the state government announced that it had formally pulled out of a similar nine-figure project for the region.
Plans to build a stunning arts and cultural space on the Cairns Esplanade have been revealed just weeks after the state government announced that it had formally pulled out of a separate nine-figure project for the region.
The Cairns Post can exclusively reveal renderings of a new gallery and site master plan for the city’s CBD arts precinct, aimed to create “a magnetic destination” where visitors can “explore, celebrate and engage” with the Far North’s diverse stories and cultures.
With its high-set, multi-storey design located behind the heritage-listed Mulgrave Shire building, visitors would enter the modern centre from both Abbott St and the Esplanade, connecting the space to the courthouse and art galleries on Shield St.
A contract to complete the confidential concept designs was awarded to CA Architects by Cairns Regional Council during a closed session of an ordinary meeting in 2023 under former mayor Bob Manning.
The agenda item was moved by current deputy mayor Brett Olds, and seconded by Mayor Amy Eden, then a Division 5 councillor.
First Nations architectural consultants Blaklash worked with a design team to integrate Indigenous stories into the precinct’s planning.
“The design aims to generate a deep understanding and appreciation of Country,” the report said.
“By connecting with Country, the Cairns Gallery precinct presents a genuine gesture of welcome … and gathering.”
Drawing inspiration from the Gimuy, or slippery blue fig tree commonly found across Cairns, the new gallery’s structure reflects the tree’s roots, trunk and canopy in its design.
“The sculpted columns clad in timber emulate the canopies of the fig trees in the adjoining Fogarty Park,” the report said.
“Gallery lobbies are carved from the building form in a variety of endemic timbers.
“This provides a richness and warmth within the public movement spaces that contrasts with the pure white gallery spaces and heightens the transition between spaces.”
The blueprints, which aim to deliver a “21st century museum experience” to Cairns, had been a tightly kept secret until recently, with some council insiders hesitant to publicly campaign for the project.
But the LNP’s announcement that it had scrapped a $165m First Nations cultural centre, slated for Fogarty Park, has left several Cairns leaders questioning the city’s plans to diversify its tourism sector and revive the faltering CBD.
Last week, Ms Eden said that while she was disappointed that the cultural centre proposal had been dumped, she was hopeful the gallery precinct dream could still be realised before the 2032 Games.
“I do think there are opportunities and conversations that can be had,” Ms Eden said.
“We’ve got all the plans, all the detailed design for that new gallery. It could be fast tracked if they wanted to have something happening for the Olympics and have a venue.
“Cairns is a really special space because … we’ve got Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures and that is a perfect opportunity to really put Cairns on the map in that regard.
“We’ve got the work there for that new gallery and that would just really tie very nicely into the existing precinct.”
Designs for the Cairns arts gallery feature a cafe, bar, rooftop plant area and second-floor outdoor dining terrace with views of Fogarty Park and Trinity Inlet.
The state government recently launched its new 10-year strategy to create a thriving and vibrant sector statewide.
The plan has a key focus on maximising opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, encouraging arts for all Queenslanders and sharing and celebrating our storytellers.
Originally published as Revealed: Bold new designs and master plan to connect Cairns’ arts precinct
