This is the date and time that this news article was published.
Warrnambool City Council has voted not to pursue Cannon Hill as a possible site for a new art gallery building.
The decision follows the completion of a business case that found the cost of constructing and maintaining a gallery building at Cannon Hill was excessive – up to $73 million - and would result in only a marginal return on investment.
“The value in having completed the business case is that we were in a position to make an evidence-based decision,” Mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said.
“We’ve endeavoured to reassure the community along the way that we would make a decision that considered the outcome of the business case.
“In the current funding climate the likelihood of receiving support from other levels of government, even in the medium to long-term, would have presented a considerable challenge.
“Council was also mindful of the public sentiment surrounding Cannon Hill.
“The challenge of having an art gallery building that meets industry standards and public expectations remains.
“So Council has chosen to allocate $65,000 to carry out a business case that examines the potential for a new art gallery at the existing site.
“As there was with the Cannon Hill business case, there will be parameters built into the study.
“A key one is that the Civic Green open space is retained, that it has an improved street presence and an environmentally sustainable design.
“The business case is an early step in a journey towards a new gallery building and there will be opportunities for the community to have a say along the way to a final decision.
“A new gallery building is a long-term goal for our city but an important one.
“Our community has always valued fine arts and our gallery collection is also a strong visitor drawcard.
“We need to ensure we can care for and present our collection and exhibitions in a suitable gallery building and we’ll keep working towards offering an iconic regional art gallery that is also a visitor destination that delivers exemplary creative, cultural and education experiences.”