The Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment has hit another milestone following the pour of the ground floor concrete slab.
The Gallery will soon start to rise out of the ground after approximately 380m³ of concrete was poured last month. This stage of the project saw approximately 60 concrete trucks delivered to the site across two days.
Bendigo Art Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot said it was exciting to reach this point in the project, with preparations underway for the gallery structure to rise over the coming months.
“The project remains on schedule, placing us in a strong position as we head into summer and prepare for the next phase of construction,” Ms Bridgfoot said.
“We are preparing for a 650-tonne crane to be onsite for a week during October to lift 59 pre-cast concrete panels into place, which will form the ground floor structure and walls. We will then repeat the process later in the year, pouring the first-floor concrete slab and lifting the final concrete panels into place to create the first-floor walls.
“The community will notice the panels are a mix of white and grey, with the chalky white panels referencing the white clay of the Bendigo region.
“Construction started in February this year and more than six months on, we have made a fantastic start and thank Head Contractor Fairbrother for their care and commitment to this project.
“In just over 12 months from now we hope to start moving our treasured artwork back into the building, in preparation for re-opening in early 2028.”
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the project was also exceeding its local jobs and sustainability goals.
“We are really pleased to report the project has seen nearly 100 per cent of all demolition materials recycled, exceeding our original 92 per cent target. This outcome has been partly achieved by donating surplus timber to local men’s sheds and other recycling initiatives,” Cr Prince said.
“The project is also continuing to create meaningful opportunities for local workers and businesses. To date, all labour engaged on the project has been sourced from Victoria, with approximately 240 workers contributing to the build and an average workforce of 45 people attending site each day.
“Supporting the local economy remains a key focus, with 100 per cent of the current contracted spend awarded to Victorian businesses and approximately 69 per cent of project expenditure directed to Bendigo suppliers so far, exceeding the project target.”
