Published on 21 July 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council has officially endorsed the concept designs for the New Hamilton Gallery at its July Ordinary Council Meeting, marking a major milestone in this transformative cultural project.
The endorsed designs are the result of an extensive community consultation process, which saw over 146 submissions received during the public exhibition period. Feedback strongly reflected three key priorities for the project: community connection, tourism growth, and green spaces.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the endorsement signals a significant step forward for the long-anticipated project.
“To have a project of this scale endorsed by Councillors and embraced by the community shows a real commitment to bringing this long-held vision to life,” Cr Heslin said.
Community engagement has been central to shaping the designs, with multiple stages of public input taking place including early sessions during the tender development phase in May 2023, co-design workshops commencing in December 2024, and the final public display in June 2025.
“We are confident these designs deliver on our service needs – creating an enduring home for our nationally significant art collection, fostering community connection, increasing green spaces, and supporting a thriving tourism sector,” Cr Heslin said.
Concept designs by Angelo Candalepas and Associates reflect the region’s cultural narrative while balancing long-term operational needs and sustainability goals.
“Even if you’re not an art lover, it’s exciting to think about the opportunities this project will unlock for our region. A new gallery will attract more visitors, boost our local hospitality and accommodation businesses, and generate meaningful economic benefits for the Southern Grampians,” Cr Heslin added.
The $48.92 million project has Council’s contribution capped at $10 million, only to be spent once all other funding is secured. Council has already secured $5 million from the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program to fund design work for the New Hamilton Gallery, CBD streetscape improvements, a community hub, and a new town square.
The next stage is the detailed design phase, which will further refine the endorsed concepts. To manage costs, the architects have proposed options such as staged delivery, design alterations, material substitutions, and additional private fundraising.
The total project fundraising target is $70 million, comprising:
$10 million – Southern Grampians Shire Council
$30 million – Private donors
$20 million – State Government
$10 million – Federal Government
For further information on this project and any of our other major projects, visit Engage Southern Grampians