Forbes Arts Society has appointed Bathurst-based contractors, Regional West Constructions to carry out the transformation of the former Forbes Ambulance Station building. RWC are set to commence work in mid-January.
The new build will include galleries, a café, a retail store, workshop and meeting spaces.
Forbes Arts Society's Keith Mullette says the building will be “A contemporary space that accommodates a creative enterprise that meets with the other Forbes Arts Society projects, Sculpture Down the Lachlan and Gum Swamp redevelopment. That’s the Forbes Arts Society’s vision for Forbes and the Lachlan Valley."
Christian Gladdish, Construction Manager for RWC and Doctor Keith Mullette
Forbes Arts Society Chairperson, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “we are excited about the prospect of finding the right fit for the café, either a Chef or food & beverage company and we want to work closely with the preferred café operator over the next 12 months to create a contemporary eatery that’s welcoming, accessible and complements the Centre’s other creative and collaborative spaces.”
“The new design incorporates sustainable features; it is fully accessible and includes a lush courtyard which we anticipate will become a gathering point for locals and visitors to the region.”
The Forbes Cultural and Arts Centre development is part of the $7.2 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ which is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth -Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.
The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ aims to foster visual arts throughout the Forbes Shire, grow the visitor economy and promote the Lachlan Valley region as a premier tourism destination. The project also includes the Gum Swamp redevelopment and extension of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail.