A Whanganui District Council application for funding for the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project has been successful in attracting a $6 million conditional grant from the Lottery Significant Projects Fund.
The additional funding boosts the project's fundraising coffers to approximately $32.1 million.
The project is estimated to cost a total of$35 million, with all funds needing to be in place by 20 December 2017 in order to fulfil conditions and criteria set out by central government funding bodies.
Whanganui District Council Chief Executive, Kym Fell, says the grant offer makes meeting these conditions highly achievable.
"The Sarjeant Gallery is one of the jewels of our district, with national and local significance and this support takes us considerably closer to achieving its redevelopment," Mr Fell said.
He said once full funding is in place Whanganui District Council will take advice as to the project's next steps, with a view to beginning the construction process to strengthen and extend the Sarjeant Gallery in 2018.
Mayor Hamish McDouall welcomed the funding as "brilliant."
"The Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project contributes to regional and national outcomes in the areas of arts, culture and heritage; economic development; and visitor services and tourism. I'm delighted to see this recognised by the Significant Projects Committee and it is brilliant news for Whanganui," Mr McDouall said.
Sarjeant Gallery Director Greg Anderson he was grateful that the Lottery Grants Board has chosen to fund the project.
"This outcome is the culmination of a huge effort by many staff and supporters and we are very pleased to see such a meaningful endorsement of our redevelopment - it is a strong affirmation of the gallery's position as an important local and national institution."
