Invercargill’s new museum has this week (21 Aug) been given a $5 million funding boost by the Community Trust South.

The museum redevelopment, named Project 1225, is projected to cost $35.4 million once it is completed and also includes a collection storage facility in Tisbury and a dedicated tuatara enclosure in Queens Park.

Completion date is December 2025.

Community Trust South Heamana/Chair Kirsty Pickett. Photo: Community Trust South

Trust Heamana/Chair Kirsty Pickett said the Trust was pleased to be able to support such a meaningful project for the community.

“We know the rebuild of the museum is a regionally significant project that is close to people’s hearts."

“We can see strong links to the Community Trust’s strategy and priorities, particularly those of arts, heritage and culture, and we are excited by the vision for the new museum and what it will mean to our community."

“It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to enhancing Southland’s legacy and to the long-term positive social, environmental and economic outcomes that are so important to ensuring a thriving region."

"We’re really looking forward to seeing it come to life.”

Invercargill City and Project 1225 Lead Councillor Grant Dermody said he was grateful for the support of the trust.

“Project 1225 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our community to create something that not only is a reflection of us and our place in the world but it is also a commitment to ensuring future generations of Southlanders have the opportunity to be enriched by our region’s taonga and stories,” Dermody said.

“We are grateful that the trust has affirmed our vision to create a wonderful asset for our city and region."

Last week (16 Aug) the Invercargill Licensing Trust increased their contribution towards the project to $1 million.

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