Construction has begun on a new storage facility for the region’s heritage collection in Richmond West, marking a major milestone for museums and heritage organisations across Nelson Tasman.
Tasman Mayor Tim King says it is encouraging to see work now underway.
“It’s quite a major project for both Richmond, this location here, the companies involved, Coman Group, Scott Construction, the museum itself. And it’s just really good to see it getting started, and I’m looking forward to coming back and opening it when it’s complete.”
Nelson Deputy Mayor Pete Rainey says the new facility will benefit the wider region.
“I think it’s great to see a project like this taking place, and it really is truly a regional project, which is great.”
A building consent was granted last Thursday and Scott Construction moved quickly to begin work, with the first of 24 concrete wall panels lifted into place on Monday morning.
Tasman Bays Heritage Trust chair Venus Guy says receiving consent is a major step forward for the project.
“We are thrilled to have received our building consent. This is a significant milestone for our organisation, our region, and everyone who has contributed to making this project a reality. I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved so far. I would also like to acknowledge both Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council for their ongoing support and commitment to this project.”
Construction manager for Scott Construction, Robert Glenny, says the project carries lasting importance.
“It’s not every day you get to build something with this kind of lasting significance for a region. The ARC facility is a serious piece of infrastructure, designed to properly house and protect the taonga that belongs to everyone in Nelson Tasman.
“Scott Construction is proud to have been part of this project for more than five years, and we’re thrilled to be finally under construction. We’ve got a great team on the ground, and the project is tracking well for delivery as planned in early 2027. We’re committed to delivering a building that does justice to what it’s there to protect.”
The Richmond West facility will include a research room, kai facilities and a 30-person workshop and presentation space.
Building costs have already been secured through grants from Nelson City and Tasman District Councils, Rātā Foundation, The Bett Trust and other supporters. However, the trust still needs to raise $1.2 million to cover the specialist packing, cataloguing and unpacking of its collection and extensive photographic archives.
A series of fundraising initiatives are planned to help meet the costs of moving the collection from the old Isel Park facility. The first will be a gala dinner and auction at the Rutherford Hotel this Saturday.
Day-to-day operations at the Nelson Provincial Museum will not be affected by either the construction or the decanting process. Only about 5 per cent of the trust’s collection is on display at the museum at any one time, with touring exhibitions also featured regularly.
