Art Gallery of NSW to receive $344m sustainable extension

The Sydney Art Gallery of NSW has received planning approval for a $344 million development to double its exhibition space.

The multi-million dollar improvement has been given the green light by the NSW Government to commence construction in early 2019.

Dubbed the Sydney Modern Project, the ambitious plans, designed by architecture and design practice SANAA, is expected to inject more than $1 billion into the state economy over 25 years while also doubling the number of gallery visitors. The $344 million project represents the largest public-private partnerships of its kind in the Australian arts, with the NSW Government allocating $244 million in funds.

The first-class design will be decked out with solar panels, rainwater tanks and an energy efficient method of air conditioning, making it the first art museum in Australia to be awarded a 6-star Green Star design rating.

The new building, set to cover 7,830 square metres is due for completion in time for the gallery’s 150th anniversary in 2021.