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Architectural team appointed for TMAG re-development

21/10/2009

Premier David Bartlett announced earlier this month that Australian architectural design team Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT) has been appointed for the next stage of the transformation of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG).

Mr Bartlett said the Government's initial $30 million commitment will allow Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp to turn the TMAG Masterplan into an architectural reality and manage construction of the first stage.

The design team, led by multi-award-winning architect Richard Francis-Jones, secured the project following a thorough open tender process.

"FJMT's impressive architectural portfolio includes its multi-award winning work on the Mint in Sydney for the Historic Houses Trust, current work on the Auckland Art Gallery in New Zealand and a commission for a new Chemistry Research Laboratory at Oxford University as a result of an invitation-only competition," Mr Bartlett said.

FJMT is also leading the $100 million redevelopment of Hobart's Parliament Square.

Mr Bartlett said the renewal of TMAG, through the government's continued investment in cultural infrastructure, would achieve:
? a new public entry off Dunn Place;
? a contemporary architectural design that is both cutting edge and yet sympathetic to the heritage of the site, including the possible creation of a covered courtyard containing new programs;
? increased exhibition space including the opening of new galleries in major heritage buildings;
? a new foyer containing 21st century facilities;
? improved access and interpretation;
? new jobs and ongoing economic return for the State; and
? visionary new architecture and exhibitions while retaining the special place TMAG has in the hearts of Tasmanians.

The public will be introduced to the visual design of the new Museum in early 2010 and construction of the first stage of the project is expected to be completed in the 2012-13 financial year.

The new TMAG in its entirety will be the single largest and most significant cultural development ever undertaken in Tasmania.

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