10 | Waitaki District Council & Naylor Love: Forrester Gallery Extension T T Aimee Wilson Extension will enhance historic gallery A three-storey addition will be added to the rear of the existing building. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The $5.785 million extension of the historic Forrester Gallery in Oamaru is underway, with a three-storey addition to the rear of the existing building. The former Bank of New South Wales Building was first constructed in 1883 and is registered as a Category 1 Historic Building on the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (HNZPT) Historic Places List. It was also listed as a Category A Historic Building in the current Waitaki District Council District Plan. Comparable in size to the current building, it will connect to the existing gallery through a glazed atrium and access bridges at multiple levels. The basement level will accommodate a climate-controlled art store and a dedicated loading bay. A lift will be installed to facilitate smooth transitions between floors of the existing building, and to assist individuals with mobility challenges. The ground floor will serve as a gallery space, providing a vibrant array of exhibitions and events, while a dedicated plinth store will be incorporated to ensure the efficient management of exhibition change-outs. Modern compactor shelving will improve the collection care and enable the gallery to store collection objects through appropriate heating and ventilation. The first floor will be thoughtfully outfitted with an array of amenities, including toilets, a dynamic educational space, kitchen, and a versatile meeting room to facilitate collaboration and discussion. Waitaki District Council (WDC) directly engaged several consultants to perform the detailed building design, including architectural, structural, mechanical, hydraulic, civil, fire, electrical, acoustic, geotechnical, spatial, and quantity surveyor consultancy work. Naylor Love Dunedin Limited (NLDL) was nominated as the main contractor for the construction, which started in February 2025. The WDC says the project is progressing well, with construction expected to be completed in February 2026, and the new spaces scheduled to open in April 2026. “We anticipate an increase in visitation once the building extension is open, due to enhanced facilities, expanded programming, and an improved visitor experience.” Local residents, including families, young people, and older adults, will benefit from increased access to high-quality arts and cultural experiences in their own region. This includes exhibitions, public programmes, and events that reflect the unique identity and stories of Waitaki. Pre-school and school-aged children will be involved in enhanced educational programmes and learning experiences tailored to the curriculum. “These hands-on, creative opportunities enrich classroom learning and foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts.” The new facility would also allow artists and Exterior Plaster Cladding Specialist Professional plastering services across Dunedin, Wanaka, Queenstown, & the wider Otago area. NEWHOME BUILDS • RENOVATIONS • FENCES • COMMERCIAL PROJECTS VENETIAN & POLISHED PLASTERING • BESPOKE PLASTER FINISH INTERNAL & EXTERNAL WALLS • HEARTHS • SURROUNDS & MUCH MORE 021 0276 3331 | info@dennisonplastering.co.nz | dennisonplastering.co.nz
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