Yarra City Council Mayor, Cr Roberto Colanzi today applauded the State Government’s announcement that $11 million will be invested in the creation of a visionary contemporary arts precinct in Collingwood.

Cr Colanzi said the precinct would be a huge boost to Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene.

“We are thrilled with Minister Martin Foley’s announcement that the site of the former Collingwood Technical School in Johnston Street is set to become a state-of-the-art creative centre,” Cr Colanzi said.

“This new contemporary arts precinct will transform the partially derelict site, and provide affordable spaces for small-to-medium arts organisations, artists, creative businesses and activities, right here in the heart of Yarra.

“Council has long been a strong advocate for keeping the arts alive in the inner-city. We recently hosted the fourth annual Leaps and Bounds Music Festival, which promotes Yarra’s multitude of live music venues and local bands.

“We also support theatre makers, visual artists, performers and local live music venues through our significant grants program and our Room to Create Fund.

“Our creative industries and artistic communities are integral to our city’s identity, not just in Yarra but across greater Melbourne. We are delighted that our local arts scene is being recognized and supported by the Government in this way,” Cr Colanzi said.

In partnership, the State Government is working with a social enterprise, Contemporary Arts Precincts (CAP) to redevelop the three triple storey buildings, and spaces including a large leafy courtyard. The precinct is set to be operational by the end of 2018.

The announcement today was for a further $3 million to the $4 million already pledged by government and more than $4 million raised in private and philanthropic donations bringing the total project cost to around $11 million.

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