Experienced project manager Janette Malcolm has been appointed as facilitator of the feasibility study into a new inner-city art gallery in Invercargill.

Last week it was announced the Invercargill City Council had agreed to fund $50,000 towards the feasibility study. Malcolm is the project manager for the widely acclaimed South Alive initiative which this week unveiled plans for a $1.2 million community hub in South City.

Construction of a modern art gallery in the city centre is part of a Southland Regional Development Strategy (SoRDS) and City Council plan to breathe life into Invercargill’s central business district.

Mayor Tim Shadbolt said Malcolm had a proven track record in community projects and experience in the arts sector, including helping develop Project Art Southland. “She has been an integral part of the success of the South Alive initiative and brings with her a wealth of experience in engagement and consultation, and getting the job done.”

Malcolm was the ideal person to co-ordinate the groups and information to ensure the project reflected the wide range of interests of the arts community in Invercargill. Part of her brief would also be to look at the physical needs of a new gallery or arts centre and at other possible collaborations, Mr Shadbolt said.

The Esk St West site owned by the city council had been identified by urban designer Kobus Mentz as a key strategic area for inner-city development, and the feasibility study would investigate whether the existing buildings could be incorporated or whether a new building would be needed, Mr Shadbolt said.

The Esk St West site was not the only site which would be considered, he said. “We’ve deliberately given the study a wide brief as everyone involved is passionate about creating an exciting and innovative attraction.”

SoRDS chairman Tom Campbell said he was delighted to have someone of Malcolm’s calibre at the helm of the feasibility study.