MCA unveils redevelopment plans

The Museum of Contemporary Art has today revealed plans that will see the institution transformed into a global hub for contemporary art and ideas by 2011, including the building of a new northern wing and the refurbishment of its current headquarters on Sydney’s Circular Quay.

MCA Director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor unveiled the redevelopment plans with MCA Chairman Andrew Love and MCA Foundation Co-Chair Simon Mordant, at a briefing in the MCA galleries.

“The redevelopment will transform the MCA to create a truly national and international institution serving the audiences of the future,” said Ms Macgregor.

The redevelopment, designed by Sydney architect Sam Marshall and to be implemented in partnership with the NSW Government Architect, involves building a contemporary extension linked to the northern end of the MCA’s existing building on West Circular Quay.

The proposal responds to the demands of increasing attendances, which have exacerbated the poor accessibility and circulation in the existing building. More than half a million people now visit MCA exhibitions each year, with a further 100,000 using the building’s popular venue spaces.

Education is a central focus, with the new building housing a National Centre for Creative Learning with workshop spaces for schools and after-school youth programs. There will be new facilities for the Museum’s renowned Bella program for young people with special needs, a digital classroom, multi-media room, library and resource room and a lecture theatre/new media events space. New media, enhanced online capabilities and improved facilities will enable the MCA to deliver a greater range of educational programs to more Australians living in remote and regional areas.

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