PaySmart
Headquartered in Brisbane with an Australia-wide network of satellite offices, PaySmart is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing direct debit billing companies. In 1996 we began…
read moreCairns Regional Council has begun the search for an innovative design for a new gallery to enhance the existing Cairns Gallery Precinct, with Council looking to attract design ideas from across Australia that will deliver a “wow” experience for visitors to the precinct.
The new gallery will connect three heritage listed buildings – the Cairns Art Gallery, the Court House and the former Mulgrave Shire Council office – and the site of the former Council administration building at 51 The Esplanade.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) open tomorrow (23rd July) for the project, which also includes a master plan outlining how the four exhibition spaces will work together to create a unique cultural experience that will be heralded as a destination showcasing First Nations artwork as well as exhibitions from across Australia and internationally.
Suitably qualified firms are invited to outline their experience and ideas showing how the precinct can best be used to create a world-class cultural experience, and a destination showcasing First Nations and internationally acclaimed art.
The EOI will allow Council to short list candidates for a Request for Tender process that will provide $10,000 in funding per firm to further develop their idea into a design concept. The overall process will include robust detailed costings to ensure the new gallery building is progressed to a ‘shovel ready state’.
Cairns Acting Mayor, Terry James said the two-stage process was designed to attract the best ideas from across the country and advised Mayor James advised “we want Australia’s best minds working on this project and will be searching far and wide to develop a vision that will truly wow visitors.
“The requirements in the EOI are deliberately loosely defined to encourage innovation and creativity to develop a unique precinct that supports our ambition to be the arts and culture capital of Northern Australia.”
Funding for the Precinct Master Plan and design of the new gallery is part of an agreement with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning for $10 million as part of the Regional Recovery Partnerships Program.
The EOI will be available on Tenderlink via Council’s website from 9am on Saturday 23rd July and close at 4.30pm on Friday 19th August.
The Request for Tender process is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Stages of the Cairns Gallery Precinct
Stage 1 (complete): Court House heritage upgrade and restoration.
Stage 2 (mostly completed): Demolition of the “L Shape” 51 The Esplanade building (former Council administration offices)
Stage 3 (underway): Restoration of the former Mulgrave Shire Offices
Stages 4 & 5A (Two-Stage Tender Process July – December 2022): Concept and detailed design for the proposed new gallery including wider precinct integration and connectivity.
Stage 5B (subject to funding): New gallery construction and final precinct integration.
25th November 2021 - Cairns Gallery Precinct project receives $10 million Federal Government contribution
23rd June 2022 - Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Cairns Airport announce new three-year partnership
3rd May 2022 - Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference to be held in Cairns in 2022
9th November 2021 - Cairns Indigenous Art Fair showcases First Nations creativity
9th July 2021 - Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2021 captures culture of First Nation Peoples
28th June 2021 - Cairns Performing Arts Centre wins State award for Public Architecture
7th June 2021 - Cairns Performing Arts Centre secures prestigious architectural award
8th January 2021 - Vibrant public artworks sought for Cairns Esplanade Dining Precinct
12th March 2020 - Cairns Performing Arts Precinct secures urban design award
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Headquartered in Brisbane with an Australia-wide network of satellite offices, PaySmart is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing direct debit billing companies. In 1996 we began…
read moreA leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…
read moreTrack. Engage. Retain GreeneDesk is a suite of cloud based software solutions helping health clubs, leisure centres and swim schools to effectively track progression, improve customer engagement and…
read moreQuayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…
read moreSeatGeek is a search engine and mobile-focused ticket marketplace that allows fans to buy and sell tickets for live events. As of August 2018, SeatGeek has exited the Australian, New…
read morePathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…
read moreFluidra Commercial Australia develops innovative, highly technical and sustainable solutions designed to create unique aquatic facilities for the 'Commercial Pool' category. Public…
read moreiDwala is the Community Sports Facility Specialist offering the highest quality designs and technical expertise to Councils, Schools and Sporting Clubs looking to create sporting…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!