The Yarra Building at Melbourne’s Federation Square, once destined for demolition, will soon be home to the first dedicated First Nations arts and culture centre in an Australian capital city.
The Koorie Heritage Trust, which has until now occupied two floors of the Yarra Building, will expand to all three floors in August 2023. Designed by Lyons, Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates, the project will add an extra 600 square metres of exhibition spaces, community engagement and education spaces, and retail spaces.
“Our expansion means we are able to offer a more integrated experience for our many national and international visitors in a building that not only reflects our internal needs and ambitions, but will better showcase more of our permanent collection, increase the size and scale of our annual temporary exhibition program, and offer more flexible public spaces,” said Koorie Heritage Trust chief executive Tom Mosby.
A carved timber wall in the proposed expansion of Koorie Heritage Trust designed by Lyons, Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates.
Image: Courtesy Architecture Associates
The refurbishment includes a new concierge area with a carved timber screen wall, which will lead visitors through the plaza level. Two community rooms, which can also transform into function spaces, and an information education lounge for school groups, will also be located on the plaza level.
Level two will accommodate two exhibition spaces surrounded by retail, media and project spaces. A gallery preparation room will be on display for visitors to get a glimpse of the how the Trust cares for and manages culturally significant collections. The Trust holds the largest collection of Koorie art and artefacts in Australia.
Internal buildings works are due to begin in April 2023.
