A multi-million dollar upgrade to the Forrester Gallery is expected to go out to market for tender next week. 

The Waitaki District Council approved the extension design and procurement plan at its meeting earlier this week.

Architectural renders show the extension of 780m2 at the rear of the current gallery, connecting on all three floors by an atrium. 

There will be new climate-controlled collection storage, a large main gallery and increased education space on the first floor, as well as a lift for upstairs access.

The extension was proposed 30 years ago, just 10 years after the gallery was opened, with successive directors and curators, as well as the Friends of the Forrester Gallery and other groups, advocating for an expansion of both gallery and storage space. 

Waitaki District Council has long supported the extension, and in 2019 approved the expansion of the 1884 former Bank of New South Wales building, on the condition that external funding was sought for the project.

Last year, in its 40th year of operating, the gallery received $6.5 million from the Government’s Regional Culture and Heritage Fund - a contestable fund to help communities meet fundraising shortfalls for capital construction projects.

This brings the total funds raised to around $7.3 million, which include contributions from the Friends of the Forrester Gallery, bequests and anonymous donors.

Forrester Gallery director Chloe Searle says they are pleased with the support councillors have shown to this extension. 

“That we are heading towards construction in 2025 is a testament to the hard work of my predecessors, and the many people in the community who support the Forrester Gallery.”

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher says the extension will provide several important features the current building has been lacking. 

“It has been an awesome achievement to be able to see this project get to this stage, with minimal funding from ratepayers thanks to the external funds raised.”

The next stage will involve procurement, and building consent, with the focus on ensuring the project remains within its available budget.

Wellington firm Tilt Architecture has provided the exterior design, with Designtech Architectural responsible for the interior.

A close-up of the atrium joining the old and the new. Photo: Supplied