Detailed Design Unveiled for Museum of Southland

Invercargill’s Museum of Southland design revealed, offering a modern and lasting facility.
Project 1225 includes the new museum, a collections facility, and a tuatara enclosure.
Public consultation to determine budget adjustments for the museum’s construction.

Invercargill’s Museum of Southland has unveiled its detailed design, promising a modern facility to celebrate Southland’s stories. The museum is part of the Invercargill City Council’s Project 1225, which aims to rebuild the city and region’s museum. The project also includes the recently completed Southern Regional Collections Facility and the new tuatara enclosure in Queens Park.

Programme Director Lee Butcher explained, “The design team delivered a concept of what our new museum could look like, and now ECI contractor Naylor Love, alongside Architectus, have developed a detailed design. The updated design provides a realistic structure focusing on buildability and cost certainty while offering a stunning new facility.”

Enhancements in the design include a larger education space, a first-floor terrace, additional shelter on the outdoor terrace, and more office and meeting spaces. The café’s layout has been improved, with a more indoor-outdoor connection and a kitchen relocated for better operational use.

Museum Director Eloise Wallace noted, “The design shows a contemporary facility set to revitalise Invercargill’s cultural offering and provide a world-class museum experience for locals and tourists.”

Museum of Southland artist impression . Photo: supplied.

At a recent Council meeting, councillors received an update on the building design and budget. Butcher highlighted that while the design and construction details were finalised in July, challenges such as building cost inflation and post-Covid impacts are putting pressure on the budget.

Options to address the budget shortfall include potential cost increases between $12.8 million and $7.8 million, reducing some elements like Green Star certification and the car park, or pausing the project to review the scope. There is also an external funding gap of $6.6 million that the Council may need to cover if additional funding isn’t secured.

Lead Councillor Grant Dermody emphasised the community’s priority for the museum, stating, “We know the community wants the best possible option for a future-proofed museum, and we are committed to delivering that. Now is the time for us to check in again and hear the community’s thoughts on these important items and their associated costs.”

Details on the public consultation, including options and ways to provide feedback, will be shared soon.