Rockhampton Art Museum Business Case

 

Rockhampton Art Museum Business Case

Client
Rockhampton City Council

Location
Rockhampton QLD

Architect
Conrad Gargett Design
Clare Design (Design Lead)
Brian Hooper Architect

Project Budget
$36.5 million

Traditional Custodians
Darumbal

Project Partners
Positive Solutions
Slattery
NineSquared

From business case to delivery, the Rockhampton Museum of Art has redefined the city’s cultural identity—creating a landmark destination for Central Queensland and a vibrant civic and cultural hub for the region. It has become a cultural tourism destination, strengthening the cultural economy of Central Queensland. Boasting a representative collection of the ‘greats’ of Australian modernist painting, new permanent gallery spaces provide access to the uniquely curated collection for the first time and preserve this nationally significant asset for future generations.

Leading a multidisciplinary team, Maytrix led the initial feasibility and delivered the funded business case for the new Rockhampton Museum of Art, securing significant federal and state funding to support Council’s commitment to this major investment. Comprehensive analysis shaped the feasibility of the ‘reimagined’ gallery, identifying capacity, commercial programming, and opportunities to host and tour exhibitions. Incorporating permanent and temporary exhibition, learning, and event spaces, the new gallery addresses collection storage, curatorial needs, and touring requirements—preserving the collection for future generations. Collaborating with the design team, aspirations were aligned with functional and commercial requirements to scope the optimised gallery and location.

Strategically located adjacent to Rockhampton's historic Customs House, physical and visual connections between the river, landscape, and city are central to the siting and materiality of the gallery. The elevated outlook on the Fitzroy River inspired the design response, including an open and transparent foyer inviting engagement and connection. It reveals views horizontally and vertically, orienting visitors to navigate the gallery and its collection. The new gallery is grounded by a strong connection to Country—recognising living histories and celebrating Rockhampton’s colonial legacy.

Anchoring a landmark cultural institution for Central Queensland, the Rockhampton Museum of Art strengthens regional identity and expands public access to nationally significant works. It establishes a vibrant, activated cultural precinct supporting the revitalisation of the Rockhampton CBD.

Delivering lasting civic and cultural value, the Rockhampton Museum of Art fosters community engagement, cultivates a cultural economy and delivers sustained economic benefit to the region. Maytrix draws on 30 years’ experience in the gallery sector and arts and cultural venues nationwide, and leverage our expertise in business case development, commercial strategy and F&B design to scope the significant social and economic benefits of the project. This investment—delivering Queensland’s only major new regional art gallery—is a transformational, strategic contribution that drives cultural tourism, enhances community access, and supports a resilient, economically sustainable future.

The $31.5M Rockhampton Museum of Art anchors a new cultural precinct linking heritage laneways and gallery expansion. Maytrix led feasibility, business case and concept, enabling significant new exhibition, education and storage for economic growth.

Rockhampton Art Museum & Precinct Business Case
Image - Architectus Conrad Gargett

The $31.5M Rockhampton Museum of Art anchors a new cultural precinct linking heritage laneways and gallery expansion. Maytrix led feasibility, business case and concept, enabling significant new exhibition, education and storage for economic growth.

Rockhampton Art Museum & Precinct Business Case
Image - Architectus Conrad Gargett

The $31.5M Rockhampton Museum of Art anchors a new cultural precinct linking heritage laneways and gallery expansion. Maytrix led feasibility, business case and concept, enabling significant new exhibition, education and storage for economic growth.

Rockhampton Art Museum & Precinct Business Case
Image - Architectus Conrad Gargett

The $31.5M Rockhampton Museum of Art anchors a new cultural precinct linking heritage laneways and gallery expansion. Maytrix led feasibility, business case and concept, enabling significant new exhibition, education and storage for economic growth.

Rockhampton Art Museum & Precinct Business Case
Image - Architectus Conrad Gargett

Exhibition, Collections + Education
– 6 exhibition spaces (2,000sqm)
 – Permanent collection galleries (4 × 200sqm)
 – Touring exhibition galleries (2 × 600 sqm)
– Project space (500sqm)
– Rooftop sculpture terrace
– Conservation laboratory + Collection Store
– Education workshop multi-use space (200sqm)
– Auditorium (200pax)

Commercial
– Café + terrace
– Retail shop

Awards

National

– 2023 AIA National Awards – Sir Zelman Cowen Award, Public Architecture

State

– 2023 AIA (QLD Chapter) – FDG Stanley Award, Public Architecture
– 2023 AIA ((QLD Chapter) – JW Wilson Award, Building of the Year
– 2023 AIA (QLD Chapter) – Public Architecture (Commendation)

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