Australian first: KHT commences expansion at Naarm's Fed Square

Zak Kirkup Published July 14, 2023 at 2.00pm (AWST)

culture

A render of KHT's expanded gallery offering. (Image: Koorie Heritage Trust)

The Koorie Heritage Trust has commenced its expansion plans to establish a stand-alone and independent First Peoples arts and cultural centre in the Yarra Building at Fed Square in Naarm / Melbourne.

The initiative will be the first of its kind in an Australian capital city.

Koorie Heritage Trust chief executive Tom Mosby highlighted the significance of the project.

Render of level 2 arrival foyer with view to temporary exhibition gallery — *Render of level 2 foyer with view to temporary exhibition gallery. (Image: KHT)*

"An expanded footprint in the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct recognises the importance of First Peoples, culture, and community as central to Narrm and consolidates KHT as a place for everyone; a unique space rich in culture, heritage, and history, which welcomes and encourages all people to come together in the spirit of learning and reconciliation," he said.

The expansion aims to increase the Trust's space from 1,145 square meters to 1,740 square meters. The new facility will feature a Wominjeka|Welcome foyer, expanded temporary exhibition galleries, meeting and function spaces, and an enhanced retail offer.

The additions have been funded to support the Trust's future growth and ambitions in preserving and promoting the culture and heritage of the First Peoples of South Eastern Australia.

*Render of Level 1 public lounge. (Image: KHT)*

The expansion project is not only led by a First Nations architecture firm but also employs First Nations builders, sub-contractors, and designers.

Jefa Greenaway of Greenaway Architects, in association with Lyons and Architecture Associates, is leading the architectural team responsible for the design and fit-out, which reflects Country and Place in a culturally sensitive manner.

The Trust was established in 1985 and continues to play a vital role in protecting, preserving, and promoting the culture of the First Peoples of South-Eastern Australia.

*Render of KHTs temporary pop up: shopKOORIE during the expansion project. (Image: KHT)*

Its activities and programs include the collection and preservation of Koorie oral histories, family history services, expanding the collection of Koorie art and artefacts, exhibition programs, cultural experiences, and a retail outlet for the creative art and design expression of the Koorie Community.

The renovations began this week with an anticipated completion date in November 2023. During the works a pop-up shopKOORIE shop will open from 20 July at the Crossbar building in Fed Square, with tours and workshop operations continuing to operate as well.