Construction is set to commence on the Allan Labor Government’s massive redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today visited the site to turn the first sod.

“Landmarks like the Art Gallery put Bendigo on the map and increase the opportunities for our local businesses.” Said Ms Edwards

The project is backed by $21 million from the Labor Government, $9 million from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4 million from the Gallery Board and more than $9 million in philanthropic support.

The redevelopment will deliver a second-floor exhibition space, innovative learning centre, theatrette and a home for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural materials.

This will give the gallery the space to attract even more major local and international artists and exhibitions which means more jobs for people in Bendigo.

Construction will take two years and create about 260 local jobs.

Once complete, it will inject $35 million into Bendigo’s economy every year and create 170 ongoing jobs.

The Bendigo Art Gallery is a major contributor to local tourism, generating more than $100 million in economic impact since 2012, through exhibitions like Frida Kahlo: In her own image, which sold more than 100,000 tickets.

While it will remain temporarily closed during construction, the gallery will offer a series of offsite exhibitions, including the CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks exhibition at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre from March.

This project is another example of Labor’s more than $45 billion investment to drive visitation, job creation and economic growth across regional and rural Victoria. For more info go to rdv.vic.gov.au