The ACT Government submitted the Development Application for the Gorman Arts Centre upgrade project this week.
The Gorman Arts Centre turns 100 this year, and is occupied by some of the ACT’s leading arts organisations, smaller arts groups, arts businesses, and artists.
The Gorman House Arts Centre upgrades will include a high-quality performance space, dedicated dance and theatre rehearsal and workshop spaces, new café space, and studios that support a social and collaborative atmosphere, the government announced last year.
Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, said the upgrades would conserve heritage values and improve functionality at the complex, including fit for purpose, accessible and inclusive workspaces for artists as well as spaces for the community to experience art and arts activities.
The government has consulted residents to ensure the upgrades create a vibrant and connected arts hub for artists and the community, and to minimise any disruption during construction.
The Development Application process will ensure the project meets all technical and heritage requirements, and provides a further opportunity for feedback during the public notification period.
Construction works will start later this year, pending approval of the Development Application. Early works, not requiring Development Approval, are scheduled to start in July.
“Gorman Arts Centre is an important hub of creativity and culture,” Ms Cheyne said. “The planned renovations will provide critical building upgrades, including improving workshop/rehearsal spaces and enhancing accessibility, safety and the sustainability of the Centre.
“These upgrades will ensure the Gorman Arts Centre is a more suitable, fit for purpose and accessible place of work for the artists and for the community to be able to engage with the cultural activities that take place there.”
“There will be a phased approach to the upgrades to minimise disruption to the occupants and their visitors, students and audiences. We will assist with any temporary relocations on site as work progresses.”
The total funding allocated for the upgrades is $12.9 million, including $7.9 million from the ACT Government and $5 million from the Australian Government (a 2022 election commitment).
Senator for the ACT the Hon Katy Gallagher said that this investment honours an election commitment to Canberrans, but particularly the professional and community artists who rely on the Gorman Arts Centre.
“The Albanese Labor Government values the contribution of our cultural and arts sector, but we know that a big part of the success of this sector is dependent on having top quality venues like the Gorman Arts Centre.
“I’m pleased to see that this project is taking an important step forward and has reached development application stage.
“Projects like this only happen when the ACT Labor and Federal Labor Government work cooperatively together to deliver the infrastructure investments our community need.”
Visit the artsACT website for more information about the project. Or click here to review the Development Application. Comments about the application can be made until 24 May.
