New cafe on the horizon as part of Newcastle Art Gallery expansion

Interest is being sought from potential operators of a one-of-a-kind cafe to be located at the reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery.

An expression of interest process, managed by Commercial Collective on behalf of City of Newcastle, kicked off this week.

The expansion will more than double the Gallery's size, providing a fitting home to one of Australia's most significant public collections of art, worth more than $126 million.

Alongside the expanded exhibition and education areas, the Gallery will feature a striking cafe space on the northeast corner of the building, with full height glass windows making the most of its unique position overlooking Laman Street and Civic Park.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the expression of interest was an important step towards creating a unique and high-quality destination for the Newcastle community and visitors.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will provide a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, which is expected to attract 150,000 visitors per year,” Cr Nelmes said.

"In conjunction with the expanded exhibition space, the project will deliver, for the first time in the Gallery's history, a permanent cafe that will complement and enhance the experience for visitors of this landmark cultural facilities, while also creating a hospitality destination in its own right."

More information about the Expression of Interest is available via Commercial Collective.

The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation's public fundraising campaign.