Work on the $2.7 million refurbishments of the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery has commenced, with the gallery set to re-open its doors to the public in April 2022.

Once complete, the gallery will have the capacity to host larger art exhibitions.

Cr David Lewis says, “The refurbishment will result in an enhanced facility that will help put us on the cultural map of Australia.

“The new air conditioning and climate control system will mean that we will be able to host significant exhibitions and attract those on a national scale.”

The site formerly housed the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery and the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere. In early 2020, the climate control system failed, resulting in water damage and mould. This meant that all of the fixtures and fittings needed to be replaced.

There were delays along the way due to COVID-19 and the construction market boom, but things are finally back on track.

2022 looks like it will be a great one for the art community on the Fraser Coast and much further afield.

Article & photos Kim Parnell