Work for the long-awaited Forrester Gallery extension began this morning (Monday), with the removal and chipping of trees behind the gallery building by Downer Group.

After the trees are removed, this stage involves preparation for some initial groundwork by Ambler Contracting, who will excavate approximately half a metre of material from the rear carpark area in preparation for the new building extension, after ground testing was carried out in December.

The extension of the Forrester Gallery was first publicly discussed in the 1990s to address building challenges, including the lack of a lift.

In 2019, having supported previous stages of development, Waitaki District Council approved the Stage 2 expansion on the condition that external funds were sought for the project.

In September 2023, the Government’s Regional Culture and Heritage Fund awarded $6.5 million to the project, meaning work could go ahead.

The extension focuses on collection care and accessibility, with a new accessible community education space, and improved facilities such as a lift, toilets and parking.

There will be more space for exhibitions as well as climate-controlled storage for the gallery’s 2500-piece collection of New Zealand art.

As a result of this work, some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable in the council-owned carpark next to the site.