An artistic transformation for the ages

Southbank’s magnificent Arts Precinct will truly be the envy of the world following a June 3 announcement of a $208 million funding injection by the state government.

The announcement is the “game-changer” our suburb has long been waiting for, delivering on the vision set out in the government’s 2014 Melbourne Arts Precinct Blueprint.

The state has committed $208 million over two years in the first phase of the billion-dollar project. These funds will kick-start planning and enable the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and Arts Centre Melbourne to begin raising philanthropic funds to match the government’s investment.

Speculation around the Arts Precinct has been high in recent times since the government confirmed its purchase of the Carlton & United Breweries site on Southbank Boulevard in February.

Forming the centrepiece of this once-in-a-generation redevelopment, the site will be home to NGV Contemporary (NGVC) – a world leading, stand-alone gallery with a focus on contemporary art and design.

Sitting behind Arts Centre Melbourne and NGV, NGVC will be Australia’s largest contemporary art gallery, rivaling some of the world’s most famous galleries and connecting the precinct from St Kilda Rd to Sturt St.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley at Arts Centre Melbourne on June 3 to announce the major redevelopment, which will also upgrade theatres and public spaces.

The project will also transform 1 City Rd, currently home to Southbank’s experimental public arts space Testing Grounds, into a new creative hub in the heart of Southbank.

The hub will be home to the Australian Performing Arts Gallery, an expanded Australian Music Vault, administrative, education and research facilities, and a new centre for small-to-medium and independent arts organisations.

The connectivity of the precinct between St Kilda and City roads, Sturt St and Southbank Boulevard has long been a sticking point for the Arts Precinct and Southbank.

This funding forms a significant part of a vision that will allow pedestrians to flow seamlessly from Hamer Hall right down to ACCA and the Malthouse Theatre, helping bring Southbank to life.

The project caters for 18,000 sqm of new and renewed public space that will sit above Sturt St, comprising new outdoor performance spaces, garden and seating areas, as well as cafes and bars.

In what Premier Daniel Andrews described as a “game-changer” for our city, Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said the project delivered on the government’s vision for a world-class Arts Precinct.

“The revitalised Arts Precinct will better connect our existing facilities, create new jobs, opportunities and spaces for our creative community, and offer free, accessible cultural experiences for all Victorians,” Mr Foley said.

Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer said a fully realised vision for the precinct would cement Melbourne’s competitive advantage in the creative economy, benefiting visitors, residents and our city’s international reputation.

What do you think about this landmark investment in our Arts Precinct? Send your thoughts to [email protected]