Australasian architects chosen to design new Invercargill museum

Architects who worked on the Auckland Art Gallery have been appointed to help design Southland's new museum.  (File photo)

David Saint George

Architects who worked on the Auckland Art Gallery have been appointed to help design Southland’s new museum. (File photo)

Award-winning Australasian architects have been chosen to bring Invercargill’s new landmark to history to life.

The new southern city museum is part of the Invercargill City Council’s 1225 project which will deliver a new museum base and tuatara facility by December 2025, but final production is expected to be completed in 2027.

Just over $39 million had been earmarked for the projects, and the architects’ announcement was a major step forward for the project, said borough program director Lee Butcher.

Architects Fjcstudio and the Auckland firms Evatt Martin Architects and design Tribe were selected to design the new museum building.

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The group had worked on many notable designs such as the Auckland Art Gallery, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

Butcher believed they had brilliant vision capabilities for the city’s new museum.

designTRIBE architects who helped design the Auckland War Memorial Museum have been appointed to design Southland's new museum.

Auckland Museum/Supplied

designTRIBE architects who helped design the Auckland War Memorial Museum have been appointed to design Southland’s new museum.

“Fjcstudio has won an impressive number of architecture awards in their time.

“We are confident that they will deliver Invercargill an architecturally impressive building.

“Based on the extensive work they have already done, we can expect a modern and visually appealing museum that will be a great addition to our city.”

Project 1225 Chief Councilor Nigel Skelt said involving the architects was an important milestone to the completion of a beautiful new museum that the community can be proud of.

Invercargill City Councilor Nigel Skelt, left, ABL Project Director Bruce Middleton and Mayor Nobby Clark at the sod making of the site where the museum's collections will be stored.

Kavinda Herath/Stuff

Invercargill City Councilor Nigel Skelt, left, ABL Project Director Bruce Middleton and Mayor Nobby Clark at the sod making of the site where the museum’s collections will be stored.

Skelt looked forward to seeing designs appear in the coming months, with a final concept design expected in August.

“Now we can concentrate on the fun stuff: designing the actual building.

“Once people can see what our new museum will look like, I think they will get really excited.”

Speaking on behalf of the team at Fjcstudio, Evatt Martin and design Tribe – Evatt Martin registered architect Neil Martin said the group was “delighted to have been selected”.

“We look forward to spending much more time in and around the region, working with the team and community on this important project,” said Martin.