City Scene - April 2001: Museum project to get $8 million

April 2001

Rates increase held to 32 cents a week

Facts and beliefs to be borne in mind

Council Wants your comments

Upgrade for west of New Brighton Mall

Money form Orion to benefit city for years to come

Turning Point 2000 ends its work

Museum project to get $8 million

Canterbury Museum: receives 550,000 visitors a year, up 20 percent over the past four years

It is proposed that the Canterbury Museum’s revitalisation project will receive $8 million spread over five years, starting in 2002-03.

Dependent on the outcome of public consultation part of the money will come from the new Capital Endowment Fund, established from Orion profits.

The museum’s Trust Board intends upgrading the interior of the museum and providing a link with the Robert McDougall Art Gallery building, which is still subject to public consultation.

This is part of a complete upgrade of the museum over 10 years.

The total cost is estimated at $31 million and detailed design work is expected to start in July and building in 2002.

The museum has 550,000 visitors a year, with the number growing 20 per cent in the last four years.

The museum is also seeking substantial funds from the Government and this is dependent on a high level of local funding being committed.