Work is expected to start on the $4 million extension to the Orange Regional Gallery in the next few months.
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The latest designs which show a doubling of the size of the art gallery's exhibition and storage space, a new triangular wing and a 77-seat theatrette are on display as part of the community consultation process.
A public meeting, attended by about 50 people last week, was also shown a 3D video walk-through of the new space.
The plans are on show at the Orange City Council website's Your Say page.
Gallery director Brad Hammond said feedback from the public had been positive.
"I was pleased. It seemed we were on track with the public consultation," he said.
"The design is not completed. We've got to the end of the first stage of the concept design."
Mr Hammond said they were seeking further input on how each of the zones shown in the concept designs could be utilised.
He said there had been plenty of support for the lecture theatre which could be used for gallery-related events but also could be a stand-alone venue for corporate and community use.
"There's not a place like it in Orange," he said.
VIDEO: Inside the new gallery
"It can really complement our work at the gallery."
Mr Hammond said one of the big benefits of the extension, which has been fully funded by the state government under the Regional Cultural Fund with council support, would be to display more of the gallery's extensive art collection and provide better climate-controlled storage areas.
"It's really increasing access to our collection. It will really be accessible for a lot of the time," he said.
Mr Hammond said the collection included paintings, sculpture and works on paper.
"We really want people to get to know the collection. We want to bring them out of the darkness," he said.
"We had hit the point where we couldn't accept any new work."
Mr Hammond said expanding the display and storage space would also allow the gallery to acquire more works from local artists.
The gallery will be extended by 1070 square metres with the new wing being constructed between the current building and Peisley Street.
It is expected final design work for the development application will occur by the end of July with construction scheduled to be finished by the end of next year.
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