Deforesting at the Gallery as extension work gets underway

Published on 26 February 2024

Contractors from Downer began preparation work for the long-awaited Forrester Gallery Extension this morning, with the removal and chipping of trees behind the gallery building.

After ground testing was conducted in December 2023, the next stage of the project involved removing trees on the site – and preparing for some initial groundwork from Ambler Contracting, who will be excavating approximately half a metre of material from the rear carparking area in preparation for the new building extension.

The extension of the Forrester Gallery was first publicly discussed in the 1990's 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 in funding for the project. 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.

The new wing provides more space for exhibitions as well as climate-controlled storage for their 2,500-piece collection of New Zealand art.

As a result of this work, some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable in the Council carpark which adjoins the site.

ENDS