Victoria Approves Development of Shepparton Art Museum

The Victorian Government has given the green light for the development of the new Shepparton Art Museum.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne announced approvals for the amendment of the Shepparton Planning Scheme earlier this week, believing development is needed to be placed on the fact track for “one of Shepparton’s leading attractions”.

Once development is complete the Museum is expected to attract more visitors to the region from right around the state and nation, boosting local visitor spending by more than $6 million annually.

The Museum will boost local jobs, creating 72 direct and 109 indirect jobs during construction and injecting $34.5 million into the local economy.

The Shepparton Art Museum collection was established in 1936, and holds one of Australia’s leading collections of historic and contemporary ceramics.

“This will be a great space for emerging and established local artists, with professional development opportunities and workshops, contributing to the cultural enrichment, community engagement and prosperity of the region,” member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.

Greater Shepparton City Council Deputy Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said the decision was welcomed and will ensure the project can progress quickly to the build stage.

“We are on track to have the former Shell Service Station and café demolished before the end of the year ensuring the two year build can commence in 2018,” O’Keeffe said.

“This is a very exciting project for the municipality and an important one that positions Greater Shepparton as a progressive region not only in the arts world but as a tourism destination.”

Planning approvals follow a $10 million investment by the State Government to help Shepparton showcase its strengths as a cultural hotspot for the arts. The $34.5m project is also funded by Greater Shepparton City Council, the Commonwealth Government and from philanthropic donations through the SAM Foundation.

The Shepparton Arts Museum will showcase unique ceramics, indigenous and multicultural collections to its visitors.