Cairns Gallery Precinct project receives $10 million Federal Government contribution

Cairns Regional Council has advised that they will use a $10 million contribution from the Federal Government to progress the Cairns Gallery Precinct project which proposes to connect the existing Cairns Art Gallery, the Court House, and the Old Mulgrave Shire Council building, and add a new world-class, purpose-built gallery.

When complete, the precinct will almost triple the existing exhibition space, refurbish heritage spaces, and create new galleries, public spaces and jobs.

As part of the project, demolition of the carpark and office building at 51 The Esplanade (located next to the former Mulgrave Shire Officers) is expected to start early next year.

This will be followed by detailed design on a proposed new gallery building on the site, including cost estimates, to ensure the project is ‘shovel ready’ to take advantage of future funding opportunities.

The Federal Government funding will also be used to refurbishment and upgrade of the former Mulgrave Shire Offices to be used as a gallery space.

Council has endorsed entering into to an agreement with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning for $10 million as part of the Regional Recovery Partnerships Program.