THE ACT Government has released a feasibility study outlining space and other requirements for development in the Kingston Arts Precinct, it was announced by Arts Minister Joy Burch over the weekend.

The study explored the development of arts-centred activities in the precinct which included a functional brief outlining over 7,500 square metres of space for arts organisations, and management models for the Kingston Arts Precinct.

“The 2013-14 ACT Budget provided $300,000 to progress the development of the Kingston Arts Precinct, and I am thrilled to release the feasibility study today,” Ms Burch told those present at the Canberra Glassworks Winter Glass Market. The idea, Ms Burch explained, was to transform the area around the Canberra Glassworks into a ‘vibrant, inspirational hub of artistic and creative activity’. She also said she would be making announcements in the next few months about how the Government plans to deliver this project.

In line with recommendations made to the Government in the 2010 Loxton report, she said, “Part of the ACT Government’s commitment to urban renewal involves the creation of art hubs around our city, where the work of artists and arts organisations is supported, enhanced and promoted. Arts hubs encourage and facilitate the sharing of administration and resources, which increases the capacity for arts activity and programs.”

The Kingston Foreshore area, she noted, was already home to the Canberra Glassworks and Megalo Print Studio + Gallery, and the Old Bus Depot Markets —she might also have mentioned the controversial Fitters’ Workshop adjacent to the Glassworks,

The planned hub will include studios, workshops, galleries, retail, shared and individual office and administration environments, education and training space, meeting rooms and accommodation for visiting artists.

The feasibility study follows the Kingston Arts Precinct Strategy which was released in 2011 and the Kingston Section 49 Master Plan, released in May 2014 and can be downloaded from arts.act.gov.au