Businesses invest in Sarjeant gallery

SUPPORT: Representatives of the Whanganui business sector at the launch of last week's partners initiative at the Sarjeant on the Quay.PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

More than 60 Whanganui business people attended last week's launch of the Sarjeant Business Partners initiative at the Sarjeant on the Quay gallery.

The initiative offers local businesses an affordable and effective way to support the Sarjeant re-development by way of a $5000 membership fee payable in monthly instalments over two years. The $34 million project includes restoration of the landmark Sarjeant Gallery in Queen's Park and development of a new wing to house the valuable Sarjeant art collection. Nearly $20 million has already been raised in donations and pledges.

Trust chairman Nicola Williams said a further $5 million was needed in the next six months to trigger a $10 million contribution from central government.

If all goes to plan, Ms Williams said construction could be under way by mid-2017 which would see the work completed in time for the Sarjeant's centenary celebrations in 2019.

"As well as saving a much-loved historic landmark and preserving a nationally significant art collection, the redevelopment creates opportunities for economic growth," she said.

"Once completed, the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua has the potential to put Whanganui on the map as an art destination with facilities that rival some of our larger centres."

Guests at Wednesday night's launch were given an update about the project and the proposed building timetable along with video presentations from project supporters.

Nicola says the response was excellent with a number of businesses signing up on the night.

"Some of our guests were quick to recognise the potential for business opportunity during the two-year construction phase alone."

In order to achieve funding from outside the region the project needed to have backing from local business leaders and the Business Partners Initiative was an ideal vehicle, she said. Follow-up meetings and presentations to Whanganui businesses are being held in coming months.

-Any businesses wanting a presentation should contact redevelopment officer Vivien Lindsay on 06 349 3138 or email vivien.lindsay@xtra.co.nz