ARC Project Update: Nelson Provincial Museum
The ARC Project so far
For more than 20 years, it has been clear that the museum’s Isel Park facility is no longer fit-for-purpose. The building is too small for the growing collection, it suffers from leaks, has asbestos, and cannot safely care for the region’s $20m nationally and internationally significant collection.
A recent independent building report described it as “unfit in almost every measurable criteria.”
In 2019, the Museum planned to build a new ARC (Archives, Research and Collection) Facility in Church Street, Nelson. However, with central government closing the Regional Heritage Fund in 2024, the Church Street project has become financially unviable.
After an exhaustive review of options, building a new fit-for-purpose facility on a green-field site in Richmond, Tasman emerged as the preferred and most financially sustainable option.
This plan reduces the estimated cost of the project by $6 million (from the original $14.9 million budget) and still delivers a fit-for-purpose facility that will ensure the long-term protection and preservation of the collection.
Why Richmond?
Moving to the new site in Richmond will bring significant operational and accessibility benefits:
- Easy, free parking for researchers, whānau, school groups, and kaumatua
- Increased storage space for our growing collections and room for future extensions
- A single-storey building designed with community accessibility at its core, enabling increased engagement with the collection
- Ability to provide appropriate cultural care for taonga Māori, Pasifika, and the heritage from all Nelson Tasman’s communities
- Facilities for expanded education services, particularly for secondary school classes, for students to connect with history and use primary sources
- Modern, purpose-built facilities enabling staff to work safely and efficiently
- One facility in each stakeholder location for a better spread of services across Nelson and Tasman
- Meets international standards for collection storage, including museum-standard temperature and humidity controls
Cost and Funding
- The total budgeted project cost is $9.8 million but will not cost ratepayers any more money.
- $3m was earmarked back in 2018 by both Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council
- Any funding shortfall will be met through fundraising and sponsorship
Partnership with iwi
The Museum has worked closely with iwi, who are fully committed to supporting this vital project.
“We are excited with the opportunities the new facility will provide for iwi engagement.”
Kimiora McGregor
Iwi representative, Tasman Bays Heritage Trust
Protecting our heritage
This new facility is about safeguarding the collection for the future and strengthening exhibitions and school programmes.
Our much-loved Museum on Trafalgar Street in Nelson will remain the home of exhibitions and education programmes.
“If we want to save our heritage for our children, this critical project cannot wait any longer. The time to act is now.”
Venus Guy
Tasman Bays Heritage Trust Chair
📣 How you can help
Nelson City Council is currently consulting with the public on the new ARC Facility site in Richmond. Your support and voice is vital to ensure this important community project goes ahead.
The consultation form is quick and simple – it only takes a minute to complete with your basic details and a tick of support.
🗓 Submissions close Friday 29 August at 12pm.
Follow Nelson Provincial Museum Facebook Page for the latest update.
Visit Nelson Provincial Museum website.
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