Released 11/05/2024
An important milestone was reached for the Gorman Arts Centre upgrade project this week with the submission of the Development Application.
The planned upgrades will conserve heritage values and improve functionality at the complex, including fit for purpose, accessible and inclusive workspaces for artists as well as spaces for the community to experience art and arts activities.
The Gorman Arts Centre turns 100 this year and is occupied by some of the ACT’s leading arts organisations, smaller arts groups, arts businesses and individual artists.
Consultation has been underway with residents to ensure the upgrades create a vibrant and connected arts hub for artists and the community and any disruption during construction is minimised.
The Development Application process will ensure all technical and heritage requirements will be met and provides a further opportunity for feedback during the public notification period.
Pending approval of the Development Application, construction works will start later in 2024. Early works, not requiring Development Approval, are scheduled to start in July 2024.
The total funding allocated for the upgrades is $12.9 million, including $7.9 million from the ACT Government and $5 million from the Australian Government.
Minister for the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Tara Cheyne said, “Gorman Arts Centre is an important hub of creativity and culture. The planned renovations will provide critical building upgrades, including improving workshop/rehearsal spaces and enhancing accessibility, safety and the sustainability of the Centre.”
“These upgrades will ensure the Gorman Arts Centre is a more suitable, fit for purpose and accessible place of work for the artists and for the community to be able to engage with the cultural activities that take place there.”
“There will be a phased approach to the upgrades to minimise disruption to the occupants and their visitors, students and audiences. We will assist with any temporary relocations on site as work progresses.”
Senator for the ACT the Hon Katy Gallagher said that this investment honours an election commitment to Canberrans, but particularly the professional and community artists who rely on the Gorman Arts Centre.
“The Albanese Labor Government values the contribution of our cultural and arts sector, but we know that a big part of the success of this sector is dependent on having top quality venues like the Gorman Arts Centre.”
“I’m pleased to see that this project is taking an important step forward and has reached development application stage.
“Projects like this only happen when the ACT Labor and Federal Labor Government work cooperatively together to deliver the infrastructure investments our community need.”
Visit the artsACT website for more information about the project. Or click to review the Development Application. Comments about the application can be made until 24 May 2024.
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases