Work to begin on Forrester Gallery Extension
Published on 17 February 2025
A major milestone for the long-awaited extension to the Forrester Gallery has been reached. The main contractor for the project will be construction firm Naylor Love.
Construction Manager for Naylor Love, Paul Stevenson, says “Naylor Love are really excited to be involved in the Forrester Gallery extension project. Having grown up in the Waitaki District myself, this community means a lot to me, and it’s a privilege to work on something that celebrates and strengthens the local heritage. The gallery is such an important part of Oamaru, and it’s great to be part of a project that will ensure it continues to be around for future generations”
The extension will include a lift to improve public access, a new exhibition space, a purpose built art collection storeroom and an education room.
Councillor Rebecca Ryan says “The extension of the Forrester Gallery is such an exciting project for Oamaru and the Waitaki District. It’s an important investment in our community, creating an accessible and educational space which can inspire, preserve and connect people to the arts. Huge congratulations to Chloe Searle and her team, and everyone who has worked over the past 30-years for the incredible efforts to get to this point, and all of the funding contributors made by those who recognise the importance of investment in the arts for Waitaki”
Chloe Searle, Arts, Culture and Libraries Manager says “This project advancing is largely thanks to external funds granted to Waitaki District Council and the Friends of the Forrester Gallery from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Regional Culture and Heritage Fund, Lottery Environment and Heritage, the John Westwood Christie Trust, the Alexander McMillan Trust, the Stout Trust, a bequest from Ivan Hunter Main and extensive community fundraising by the Friends. We are extremely grateful to all those who have contributed funds.”
Chairperson of the Friends of Forrester Gallery, Heather Machin, says “A huge thank you to Friends of the Forrester Gallery and other supporters for decades of fundraising and advocacy work. Together your efforts have allowed the Gallery extension project to reach this significant milestone. At long last our Gallery will have a lift, room to display collections works and more. So give yourselves a pat on the back whether you have made donations, attended lunch time recitals, bought or donated artwork to the recent auction or any other contribution. Our work isn’t finished just yet. The fundraising focus now shifts from construction costs to the fitout of the new spaces.”
Construction work is expected to begin in late February 2025 and be completed in February 2026. Following fit-out and exhibition installation the extension will open in April 2026. The Gallery will continue to operate throughout construction with Gallery and Naylor Love staff will work to minimise the impact of the building work on visitors.