The Western Treatment Plant could soon have its own regional art gallery under a Wyndham council plan to boost tourism.
The council has asked for $1.25 million in federal government funding as part of the 2018-19 Commonwealth budget to pay for stage one design works for a Wyndham Regional Art Gallery.
According to the council’s pre-budget submission, a recent assessment report found that a dedicated regional art gallery in the Western Treatment Plant’s refurbished discovery centre would provide a “major cultural tourism destination” and have wide economic and social benefits for both Wyndham and the western suburbs.
“Repurposing the discovery centre would deliver council’s aspiration for a regional art gallery more quickly and more cost effectively than building on a greenfields site,” the submission stated.
Wyndham council city life acting director Georgie Hill said the council could not give more details on the proposal until a feasibility study was completed.
“Once the feasibility study is complete, council will formulate a funding strategy that includes partnerships with state and federal government, together with council’s own investment,” Ms Hill said.
“Our current Wyndham Art Gallery at the Wyndham Cultural Centre has attracted artists and projects from Wyndham, across Australia and across the world. However, a municipal gallery the size of ours can only do so much. An expanded space would create opportunities for greater participation.”
