Art Gallery of Ballarat Upgrades

The Art Gallery of Ballarat (AGB) is a significant cultural institution for the Central Highlands of Victoria. Established in 1884, it is widely touted as the oldest regional gallery in Australia. However, the building’s ageing infrastructure posed a significant challenge for its ongoing operations. The gallery faced constraints in terms of its lighting and display capabilities, which was ultimately impacting the quality of its exhibitions. 

Touch Projects was engaged to manage the refurbishment project, leveraging our heritage expertise to deliver the necessary upgrades. The project comprised the upgrade of five sets of significantly-sized original skylights within the gallery spaces, with the aim of providing a more vibrant and efficient lighting system to enhance the display of art pieces. 

These upgrades then triggered the need for associated mechanical HVAC works, including the relocation of parts of ductwork to ensure adequate space for the skylights and to meet ventilation compliance standards. 

Touch Projects worked closely with the AGB management team, utilising our proven project management capabilities to deliver the upgrades to schedule and within budget. The team was able to coordinate the required technical expertise inputs and manage the logistics of the project, ensuring minimal disruption to the gallery’s daily operations.

This refurbishment project was a clear indication of the AGB’s commitment to preserving its legacy and fostering appreciation for the arts by offering an optimised visitor experience to its patrons. 

This project has made a significant contribution to the Ballarat community, ensuring that the AGB remains a cornerstone of regional Australia’s cultural heritage.