Invercargill’s Project 1225 Makes Strides with Near-Complete Tisbury Storage Facility

Invercargill City Councillors were given a unique opportunity to tour the almost-finished Tisbury Storage Facility, a crucial part of the city’s ambitious Project 1225. This initiative is set to revolutionize Invercargill’s cultural scene, including the creation of a new museum and a dedicated tuatara enclosure.

The facility, designed to house valuable museum collection items when not on display, was showcased to the councillors and project staff, offering a glimpse into the future of the city’s cultural preservation. Invercargill City Councillor Grant Dermody, leading Project 1225, highlighted the significance of the tour.

“Our museum collection items play an important role in telling the story of Invercargill and Southland’s past, and the Tisbury storage facility is crucial in ensuring they are protected for generations to come,” Dermody remarked. He further expressed his satisfaction with the progress, noting, “Being able to see the facility behind-the-scenes as it gets closer to being completed was a great opportunity for our elected members, and I think everybody was suitably impressed with the asset we have created for our community.”

Spanning 1650 square meters, the Tisbury Storage Facility is equipped with advanced shelving systems, climate-controlled areas for artifact preservation, and staff offices and workrooms. It also includes a public viewing space, allowing the community to engage with items not featured in the new museum, which is anticipated to open in late 2026.

Erin Moogan, Council Group Manager Infrastructure, shared her enthusiasm about the project’s progress. “Project 1225 is an enormous undertaking, with a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work. We’re pleased to demonstrate to the Councillors that we are on track with time and budget,” Moogan stated. She emphasized that the nearing completion of the Tisbury storage facility is a major achievement, marking a countdown to its official opening.

The construction, which began in December 2022 by contractor ABL, is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. This will initiate the transfer of around 4 million museum collection items from the existing Southland Museum and Art Gallery, expected to be fully relocated by early 2024. The community eagerly anticipates next month’s official opening ceremony, heralding a new era for Invercargill’s cultural preservation and storytelling.