By Jeremy Cook
Major renovations to the Stanthorpe Library and Regional Art Gallery are nearing completion with its doors expected to reopen in less than two months, the council has confirmed.
A spokeswoman for Southern Downs Regional Council said the building, located on Lock Street, still needed to be fitted out internally before its anticipated reopening in late-July.
“The building still needs to reach practical completion and receive a certificate of occupancy from a private certifier before it can be occupied,” a council spokeswoman said.
“This certificate will allow access for council staff to commence internal fixtures, fitting and equipment activities so that the building can operate as a library and gallery.”
Once completed, the originally forecasted $6.1 million project will deliver fire-proof storage space for millions of dollars worth of artwork and book collections which were housed in the previous building.
The spokeswoman said an official opening with the federal government, who contributed approximately $2 million in funding to the project, “will be scheduled in due course”.
The landmark project has faced some level of uncertainty in recent months following the financial collapse of previous contractor St Hilliers.
Builders ICM Constructions, the same firm in charge of delivering the Warwick Saleyards, were later appointed to finish the project.
