Unley Cultural Hub receives a major boost
Published on 10 December 2024
Securing support from the program to the value of $2.66m, the creation of a new Cultural Hub in an expansion of the existing Unley Museum will provide for an increased and improved gallery space, enabling touring national and regional exhibitions to feature.
Alongside the exhibition areas, a revitalised Museum and Gallery will also cater for greater learning opportunities, featuring a dedicated classroom space, a studio to host artists, historians, researchers and creatives, and an improved research centre where visitors can gain insight into local history or explore their ancestry and heritage.
The redevelopment of the three cottages on Edmund Avenue, which will be joined to form the Cultural Hub, sees the completion of Stages 2 and 3 of the Unley Civic Precinct Redevelopment Project which commenced in 2020.
The project also seeks to invigorate the Village Green, enhance open space and access, and increase opportunities for Council to host public events and activities.
Museum Curator Karen Paris says reimagining and growing the current Unley Museum will facilitate greater opportunities for the community to engage with history, culture and art through a more dynamic program of significant exhibitions and activities which contribute to learning, social connection and wellbeing.
‘Our current Museum holds a nationally significant collection of thousands of precious artefacts, stories and memories of our local community, and that of the State more broadly. This opportunity will enable us to grow the collection and better preserve, exhibit and celebrate these, which in turn provides visitors greater opportunity to learn, connect and be challenged.’
The Federal Government’s ‘Thriving Suburbs’ program supports community infrastructure developments which promote social cohesion and connectivity, including cultural and sporting hubs, libraries and parks. The Unley Museum project was one of nine projects awarded in South Australia.
Mayor Michael Hewitson said he was delighted that Unley’s application had been recognised and supported. ‘The focus of our small museum under the creative management and work of our curator has seen it win multiple prestigious awards, punching well above its weight on the national stage.’
‘This funding announcement is a game-changer and will allow us to realise our dream of expansion and upgraded facilities to bring larger, exciting exhibitions to our community and our city.’
‘We are pleased that the Federal Government has elected to support councils and local organisations, and to assist them in maintaining and updating vital community assets in a challenging economic climate. It’s a massive win for our city.’
Detailed designs for the facility are now being finalised and plans for the redeveloped cottages are listed on the Plan SA website under Current Notified Developments to facilitate public comment.
Once the notification period is complete and any representations responded to, Council will prepare a report for assessment by CAP early next year, and final designs will be presented back to Council when development approval is achieved, hopefully by March 2025.
Check the Plan SA pages and how to have your say up until midnight on Friday 20 December 2024.