Fredericton Planning Committee Approves Plans For Beaverbrook Expansion
FREDERICTON – An expansion that will completely transform the look of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery is on track for construction.
The city’s planning advisory committee unanimously approved a variance on Wednesday that will allow for a new entryway and facade to be built up close to the street. The concave front of the gallery will have steps leading down to the sidewalk and significantly change the look of Queen Street.
The addition will include gallery space and visitor amenities including a gift shop and café.
Mayor Mike O’Brien said the gallery is a “real gem” in the city and the expansion fits in with the designation of the area as a cultural district.
“It’s become a real hub of our downtown and of course it’s located along this beautiful riverfront we have,” he said. “It’s just magnificent.”
The design, drafted by KPMB Architects, will include a series of columns in front of the entryway with glass behind. It will line the street across from the provincial legislature and comes as the capital city sees a rise in downtown development.
O’Brien said the gallery is a major draw to Fredericton’s downtown, a role he expects to continue with the expansion.
“Of course a lot of people go and pay and see the artwork, but there are many events in the evening now that are social events and cultural events,” he said.
The expansion follows the completion of the new pavilion wing in 2017, making the Beaverbrook Art Gallery one of the largest in Atlantic Canada.
Construction is expected to begin in late spring. The project was initially unveiled with a $6 million price tag in September, but the gallery has not recently disclosed an updated overall cost. It will be partially funded by the federal government, with $1 million from the Department of Canadian Heritage and $500,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.