Background
While the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) has a world class collection, its facilities fall short of the conditions enjoyed by fellow state museums and galleries. Faced with increasing inadequacy in its ability to operate, TMAG has presented a feasibility study and business case for a significant redevelopment to the State Government.
In 2006, then Premier Paul Lennon announced funding to develop a whole-of-site concept and masterplan to completely redevelop TMAG. $30 million was committed to cover planning, site investigations and initial construction.
Architects Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW), in association with Tasmanian-based architectural firm Terroir, were appointed to develop the masterplan, which was released in September 2008 and presented for public comment. Over 90 per cent of the public overwhelmingly supported the project as being not only good for TMAG, but also for the state and nation.
In October 2009, following an international tender process, architectural firm Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) was appointed to undertake architectural design and in October 2010, then Minister for the Arts, David O’Byrne MP, announced the public release of the architectural concept plan.
