A new Annexe to be added to the Art Gallery of Ballarat will increase function space in the gallery and help enhance the Camp Street precinct as a public open space. 

The tender for the works has been awarded to Ballarat company A.W. Nicholson Pty Ltd.

Construction is expected to commence at the end of this month, with works scheduled to be finished in May this year.

The Annexe will expand the Gallery Function Hall to allow more people to attend presentations, community functions and opening nights.

It will create an enclosed multi-purpose space where launches, lectures, workshops, art installations, music and dance can be held.

In addition, the room will be able to open up to Alfred Deakin Place for use as a stage for festivals and other open air public events.

Ballarat Mayor Cr Craig Fletcher said it was pleasing that local skills would utilised in the project.

“Council enjoys working with local companies and this is another example of the success of the Ballarat Industry Participation Program in promoting local business,” Cr Fletcher said.

A.W. Nicholson Director Richard Nicholson said the company was proud to be associated with the Function Hall Annexe project.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the City of Ballarat once again, having recently completed the Town Hall restoration project,” Mr Nicholson said.

Mr Nicholson said 15 local staff would be employed on the project for the duration of the works.

Camp Street has been identified in Making Ballarat Central: The CBD Strategy as an Arts and Culture Hub for the city.

The Annexe project is in line with the vision outlined in the CBD Strategy, which calls for Art Gallery activities to front on to Alfred Deakin Place.