The council says the move is about retaining Whanganui's reputation as a national centre for glass art - particularly following the closure of the Wanganui Glass School last year.
The facility will be used by hot and kiln glass artists, UCOL design students and there will be a public gallery onsite exhibiting work from around the country.
"So we're bringing together the commercial side by having the retail aspect with the gallery, exhibitions and then allowing the space for both professionals and then that educational side for artists to develop further and then teach novices."
Mr Redding says the New Zealand glass scene is strong and that's why he moved back from Melbourne to lead the project.
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