Tenders are now open to deliver a detailed design for a new art gallery at the State Square Precinct in Darwin’s CBD.
It is part of the Northern Territory’s strategy to support local jobs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The State Square art gallery is part of the Civic and State Square Masterplan, facilitated by the $200 million Darwin City Deal.
It aims to showcase art from the Territory’s collection and host Australian and international exhibitions.
The design will be architecturally respectful of its culturally and historically significant surrounds, alongside the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and Parliament House.
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The gallery also aims to draw more visitors and Territorians to the Civic and State Square precinct and increase local access to tourism destinations once visitation can resume.
NT Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister Lauren Moss said the Territory Government is supporting local business through the unprecedented situation they are currently facing.
“The new State Square art gallery will create jobs during construction and in operation,” Moss said.
“It will provide additional quality exhibition space to showcase our significant art and material culture collections, host Australian and international exhibitions, and deliver learning and participation opportunities for the community.
“Once built, it will encourage increased visitation to the Darwin CBD and an opportunity to become an iconic tourist destination – more people will come into the city, which means more customers for business and more jobs for locals.”
Member for Port Darwin Paul Kirby said the government is focused on creating jobs and supporting local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is our priority to support Territory businesses by creating more local jobs for Territorians and boosting the number of visitors coming into our CBD when we are able to welcome them again,” Kirby said.
“The State Square art gallery project will help to revitalise Darwin’s city centre into a vibrant hub of activity, creating new offerings with inspiring attractions for Territorians and visitors.”
Construction is anticipated to begin early 2022 and completed by mid-2023, with the gallery expected to open in late 2023.