Sod turned on The Fox: NGV Contemporary

Melbourne’s next creative landmark The Fox: NGV Contemporary is a step closer to reality with head contractor Lendlease appointed to begin works on the Southbank Boulevard site in the heart of the Arts Precinct.  

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks announced on March 11 that Lendlease had been awarded the construction contract for what will be the largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design in Australia.   

The Fox: NGV Contemporary is part of the state government’s $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation which also includes significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building and Laak Boorndap, a new 18,000 square metre urban garden filled with biodiverse planting, public art and places for rest. 

Once complete, The Fox: NGV Contemporary will span 30,000 square metres, with more than 13,000 square metres of public space to display contemporary art and design from Victoria and around the world, including exhibition galleries, hospitality and events spaces and an expansive rooftop terrace.  

The work Lendlease will undertake also includes part of the deck structure for Laak Boorndap and precinct services.  

Lendlease executive general manager, Victoria, construction Bill Alexandrakis said, “Our experienced and collaborative team will work alongside the NGV, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Development Victoria, and the exceptional design team led by Angelo Candalepas to create a celebrated, city-shaping cultural landmark that will create a new global destination for the arts.” 

The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project is expected to employ 11,000 workers across the life of the project, including career-launching opportunities for those just starting out. 

Almost 550,000 hours of opportunities will be provided to cadets, trainees and apprentices throughout the project, with more than 34,000 hours already worked. 

In preparation for The Fox: NGV Contemporary, the former Carlton United Breweries building on Southbank Boulevard was deconstructed in 2024 and 95 per cent of materials were diverted from landfill to be reused or recycled.  

“It’s fantastic to see work starting on site and the role Victorian construction workers, tradies, apprentices, trainees and cadets will play in bringing this city-shaping project to life,” Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks.

“The NGV continues to demonstrate the extraordinary appetite for contemporary art in our state, with thousands flocking to the Yayoi Kusama exhibition every day. This new landmark gallery will open even more opportunities and drawcard experiences for Victorians – and our visitors.”