Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
National Aboriginal Art Gallery land deal
The National Aboriginal Art Gallery in central Australia is a step closer to being built after the Northern Territory government struck a land deal.
March 18, 2022
The National Aboriginal Art Gallery in central Australia is a step closer to being built after the Northern Territory government struck a land deal.
The $150 million Alice Springs arts precinct is set to be the biggest investment in the city in a century, Chief Minister Michael Gunner says.
It is also expected to strengthen the Territory’s position as the preferred destination for Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences.
“The gallery will be a national centrepiece, bringing in 50,000 visitors a year, and creating more than 200 jobs,” Mr Gunner said on Friday.
“It will pump over $60 million into the territory economy and cement Alice as Australia’s inland capital.”
The project will also include a purpose-built home for Tourism Central Australia, family-friendly community green space and a water play park.
The NT government is buying the old Shell Depot land near the Alice Springs central business district and Todd River to build the tourism and visitor centre. The gallery will be built next to it.
It is also negotiating with the Morrison government and the Opposition to provide $100 million towards the project but says it will go it alone if required.
Construction is expected to start in late 2023 and be completed during 2025.