Community engagement and construction progress continues for Arts Precinct

The Melbourne Arts Precinct is a bustling hub of activity as construction continues to move forward for the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation (MAPT).

Deconstruction is well under way at 77 Southbank Boulevard for the new contemporary art and design gallery The Fox: NGV Contemporary.

In construction, the process of “deconstructing” means taking apart or removing some of the existing building components for reuse. This methodology is being employed for the project, as environmental sustainability and reducing waste are some of key objectives for the MAPT.

For the deconstruction of the 77 Southbank building, 95 per cent of the material will be reused or recycled. For example, the lift cables will go to the Werribee Open Range Zoo Expansion for the new 21-hectare Asian elephant habitat, housing Zoos Victoria’s growing herd, currently living at Melbourne Zoo.

The next stage of deconstruction at the site is expected to start in May when a long reach excavator will begin working on site. The long reach excavator will deconstruct the building from the inside, working from the top down. Throughout construction, the project teams are continuing to work to minimise impacts in the area for residents and businesses.

To provide locals and visitors with up-to-date information about access and directions, more wayfinding signage is also going up around the precinct. The new signage will be installed along Southbank Boulevard and on Kavanagh St, containing project information and updated maps.

The project’s Community Reference Group (CRG) continues to meet regularly to help ensure the local Southbank community is updated with the project’s progress and any potential construction impacts. The CRG held its fifth meeting on April 16 and meeting minutes can be viewed online.

For those attending the F@B Southbank community event at Boyd Hall on May 19, you can collect a free raffle ticket to win a prize made possible by Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation. Recipients will go in the draw to win a $100 Chocolate Buddha or a $100 Mabu Mabu dining voucher.

The project team will also be at the Korea Festival at Fed Square this Saturday, May 11. Visitors at the festival can check out the pop-up MAPT marquee and meet some of the team working on the city-shaping project.

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Photos: Peter Glenane / HiVis Pictures.