The Victorian Government has announced a head contractor to commence works on the Southbank site for what will be the largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design in Australia.
Lendlease has been awarded the contract to commence construction of the FOX: NGV Contemporary in the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct.
“The NGV continues to demonstrate the extraordinary appetite for contemporary art in our state, with thousands flocking to the Yayoi Kusama exhibition every day. This new landmark gallery will open up even more opportunities and drawcard experiences for Victorians – and our visitors,” said Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks.
The Fox: NGV Contemporary is part of the Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation which also includes significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building and Laak Boorndap, a new 18,000 square metre urban garden filled with biodiverse planting, public art and places for rest.
Once complete, The Fox: NGV Contemporary will span 30,000 square metres, with more than 13,000 square metres of public space to display contemporary art and design from Victoria and around the world, including exhibition galleries, hospitality and events spaces and an expansive rooftop terrace.
“The Fox: NGV Contemporary will be the premier institution in Australia for audiences to experience, learn and enjoy ground-breaking new work by contemporary practitioners in Victoria’s own purpose-built, state-of-the-art gallery,” said NGV Director, Tony Ellwood AM.
The work Lendlease will undertake also includes part of the deck structure for Laak Boorndap and precinct services.
“Our experienced and collaborative team will work alongside the NGV, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Development Victoria, and the exceptional design team led by Angelo Candalepas to create a celebrated, city-shaping cultural landmark that will create a new global destination for the arts,” said Lendlease Executive General Manager, Victoria, Construction, Bill Alexandrakis.
The city-shaping Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project is expected to employ 11,000 workers across the life of the project.
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation is a State Government project, delivered by Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), Creative Victoria and Development Victoria, in partnership with National Gallery of Victoria and Arts Centre Melbourne. Find out more at artsprecinct.melbourne.
