Rockhampton’s new $31.5 million Museum of Art to drive tourism

Rockhampton’s new $31.5 million Museum of Art, being built by Rockhampton-based Woollam Constructions, is viewed as a critical project for the region.

When completed, the museum will house the works of some of Australia’s most significant artists including Margaret Olley, Arthur Boyd, Russell Drysdale, Sidney Nolan, and Jeffrey Smart.

The Queensland Government has invested $15 million towards the new Rockhampton Museum of Art with the Federal Government committing $10 million and the Rockhampton City Council committing $6.5 million.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk notes “this project is not only keeping locals in jobs during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic but when finished will drive tourism to the region for years to come.

“Construction is at the half-way mark and it’s fantastic to see this incredible project coming to life which will bolster the city’s reputation as the vibrant home to the one of the nation’s leading regional galleries.

Queensland Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said that from the beginning, the State Government had supported Rockhampton Regional Council’s vision for a new art gallery that connects the community and celebrates heritage.

Minister Enoch adds “the Rockhampton Museum of Art will deliver significant benefits to the community, generating tourism, economic benefits, and opening up new opportunities for local artists.

“Rockhampton’s collection is one of Queensland’s regional treasures and the new building will house the collection in a beautiful contemporary space.”

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow also advises “the project was well committed before COVID-19 and will be a beacon project for us to celebrate as we focus on pushing our economy along.

Construction is on schedule with construction now 50% complete.

Mayor Strelow adds “the structural framework is making great headway – the first floor concrete slab is complete, walls have been erected, and works are now in progress on the second floor.

“Around September we anticipate the roof will go on and once façade works commence later this year the structure will begin to resemble the architect’s images and we will see the design really take shape.

“I commend the State and Federal Government for seeing the value in this project. It is already opening the door to new and exciting opportunities that will show the rest of Australia that the Rockhampton Region is a maturing destination for cultural tourism.”