Council handed keys to the new SAM attraction

Greater Shepparton City Council has announced the completion of the new SAM building as of 22nd January 2021, with a certificate of occupancy issued on 2nd February 2021.

With the keys handed to Council, this gives the green light for tenants, SAM Limited, Kaiela Arts and the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre, to commence moving in.  

Welcoming the milestone, Greater Shepparton Mayor, Kim O’Keeffe stated “we’ve all watched the new SAM building take shape with great anticipation over the past 18 months and finally moving day is here.

“The new SAM building is already iconic, and we are looking forward to inviting in the community and visitors to make the most of all the experiences that will be on offer. It’s been compelling to see how the design has transformed into this unique, grand building, but just wait to see what will be on offer inside.”

With SAM, Kaiela Arts and the Visitor Centre set to start transitioning to the new site from Monday (1st March), it is anticipated that the new SAM building will open its doors to welcome visitors as of 31st March, with Kaiela Arts and the Visitor Centre likely to be fully operational at that time, along with the SAM gift shop.

While the ground floor will be open to the public in late March, levels one to four will remain closed until closer to the Opening Launch in October to enable SAM to complete the installation of its collection and upcoming exhibition program.

Looking forward, Kaiela Arts Manager, Angie Russi noted “our artists have missed being able to make work for some weeks while we’ve been packing and are eagerly waiting to work in their studio space overlooking the lake, on Country.

“We’re very excited to open doors in our new space to welcome people to our new home.”

SAM Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Dr Rebecca Coates also stated “the SAM team is excited to commence the move to new SAM from 1st March.

“The collection is comprised of 4,000+ unique and priceless artworks which will be carefully relocated to the purpose-built facilities over the next few months. Moving an entire museum including its collection is a major operation, as is setting up the opening exhibitions and projects once the artworks arrive at their new home. We’re are very much looking forward to reopening in our new spaces to share collections and exciting new exhibitions with our community and visitors. It will definitely be well worth the wait.”

In working towards opening on 31st March the new building will be opened in a staged, soft reveal, in line with COVID-19 restrictions while a grand opening weekend is planned for 15th to 17th October once SAM’s collections, exhibition installations and programs are in place.

While reaching the physical completion stage, along with the moving in of the tenants, there are still some elements that are being finalised. This includes SAM Limited appointing a successful tenderer to operate the new SAM café and function space.

The first stage of the intersection works are also completed having provided much improved traffic flow for visitors to new SAM, Victoria Park Lake and surrounding residents, however there are still roadworks in progress. Intersection works still being undertaken include undergrounding of the power lines on the south west approach, rail signal sequencing with the traffic lights and installation and commissioning of the actual traffic lights. It is anticipated these works will be completed this May.

Mayor O’Keeffe added “new SAM provides the opportunity for the Shepparton Art Museum, Kaiela Arts and our Visitor Centre to work together to further strengthen how we recognise and celebrate Greater Shepparton, particularly our Indigenous heritage and the role it plays in our past, present and future.

“Having our Visitor Centre located in new SAM - the gateway to Greater Shepparton, will also enhance the way in which we welcome visitors to our region.”