The first sod has been turned today at the site of Lake Macquarie Art Gallery's multimillion-dollar expansion.
The $2.3 million dollar project includes additional collection storage and exhibition space, new air-conditioning and a dedicated space for contemporary Aboriginal art exhibitions and programming.
The expansion is a key part of Council's Arts, Heritage and Cultural Plan, adopted by the city in 2017.
Mayor Kay Fraser said the almost 40-year-old gallery is a great looking facility but there is always more work to be done.
"We have a very large art and cultural community in Lake Macquarie and they have been asking for some time to extend our art gallery," said Cr Fraser.
"So it's a fair amount of money we're spending to expand it and to keep up with modern times."
Cr Fraser noted the expansion ties in nicely to Council's recently developed Night Time Economy Plan which hopes to encourage more evening events across the city.
"People who want to use Marmong Point and that area around there, when the new gallery is opened they'll be able to go there late afternoon and early in the night which will be absolutely fantastic," said Kay Fraser.
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| Project Manager Adam Gleeson and Construction Manager Adam Bailey join Mayor Kay Fraser for the sod turning. Photo: Lake Macquarie City Council |
