24/6/03
The State Government's plans for a new museum facility for Perth has moved a step closer, according to Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale.
The State Government has reached agreement for the purchase of a property in Welshpool for the improved storage of Western Australian Museum collections and interim accommodation of administrative and curatorial staff from the Francis Street building.
Ms McHale said the Francis Street building had been unsuitable for storage of materials and accommodation of staff to acceptable health and safety standards for some years.
"We had to act now to address the asbestos and health issues," she said.
"Securing this excellent facility is a great result."
The 3.5ha property, on Kew Street at the Orrong Road/Leach Highway intersection, will be bought for $7.3million.
Only 10 minutes away from the city, the new facility has 16,500sq.m of building space, including offices and storage areas.
"This will enable the museum to consolidate into one facility the storage of approximately three million items currently housed at four sites around the metropolitan area," Ms McHale said.
"Existing collection stores and workspaces have been operating in overcrowded, inappropriate conditions. Some are operating at three times their recommended capacity and only about five per cent of the museum collection is able to be stored under 'best-practice' conditions.
"Already there are plans to have some new levels of public access at the Kew Street site, to enable a greater appreciation of the behind-the-scenes work of the museum."
The Minister said the purchase of the Kew Street property paved the way for the Government to continue planning for a new museum facility, probably within the Perth Cultural Centre.
"The Gallop Government is putting in place some dynamic changes to the city-scape as a result of the Southern Railway that are still in discussion," she said.
"Our vision for the arts in the City of Perth includes a vibrant 21st century museum.
"We will be working across government to maximise opportunities for the new museum facility.
"We want to take advantage of the changes to make sure we come up with the best long-term solution for the community and for the museum.
"The relocation, including preparation and cataloguing of the collection for moving, will be a significant task and take some months to complete.
"In the meantime the public will continue to enjoy museum exhibits and the Perth site remains open.
"The Katta Djinoong exhibition is currently being moved to the Beaufort Street building of the museum's Perth site.
"Some of the Marine Gallery exhibits will be relocated to regional museums, except for the mighty blue whale, which will undergo some long overdue curatorial treatment before being put back on display."
Minister's office: 9213 6900
