The Invercargill community will be asked for feedback on a range of options for the future of the region’s museum, with the consultation period starting later this month.  

Invercargill City Council (ICC) has committed $39.4 million to redevelop the museum and art gallery facility in its Long Term Plan 2021-2031 and have agreed to consider whether a new building would better meet the region’s needs. 

An independent governance group was formed in August to reimagine the museum and art gallery and make recommendations to ICC on the best available options. 

The governance group finalised their vision and recommendations to Council in December 2021.

ICC will now consider their recommendations and select a preferred option for consultation during the draft Annual Plan 2022/23 Consultation, from 24 March. 

Council Group Manager Leisure and Recreation Steve Gibling said the group had created a vision for a redeveloped cultural facility that was unique to New Zealand. 

He said the concept aims to connect visitors to the local environment, foster a community hub, tell community stories, and spark curiosity. 

“The community has been clear they want to see action on the museum. We know how important this is to our people,” he said.

“The Governance Group has set out a clear vision and has looked at all the options, considered the needs and wishes of the community, taken professional advice and set out a vision and direction for the future of the museum that is truly aspirational and exciting.” 

Based on feedback from the community during Long Term Plan consultation, the group considered different options for the facility, including reopening the existing pyramid facility or building a new facility. 

Two size and scale options, both larger than the current facility and both requiring an offsite, standalone storage building to house the region’s heritage collection have been presented. 

Both new build options would require additional funding of between $13 million and $23 million. 

The governance group also considered the location and have recommended the current location at Queens Park to be the most appropriate for any future facility. 

Gibling says the future of the facility is important to all residents of Invercargill, and they should ensure their views are heard.  

“This is an important facility for our local community and significant funding has been set aside. We want to hear from as many people as possible about their views and wishes so we can push ahead.”

The Council will formally receive the governance group report at an Extraordinary Infrastructural Services meeting on Tuesday 15 March, where they will vote on recommendations to consult on the options for the museum. 

Detailed information will be made available to the public and feedback sought during public consultation on this year’s Annual Plan, from 24 March.