The National Gallery of Victoria International (NGVI) was opened in 1968 as the first stage of the Victorian Arts Centre development, designed by noted Melbourne architect Roy Grounds. It is recognised as ambitious and successful work from the post-WWII period in the development of modern Australian architecture. In 2003, a major refurbishment of the NGVI opened.

The 2021 Conservation Management Plan (CMP) document provides a robust assessment of the significance of the site, its policy, future use and day-to-day operations. We were required to work closely with key staff and stakeholders to ensure the final document considered the needs of its many user groups and, could be readily comprehensible and implemented by all.

It is anticipated the 2021 CMP will assist manage significance and guide change across the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project as it evolves.

The 2021 CMP develops conservation policy for accessibility, inclusivity and sustainable upgrade of buildings services, systems and management. It aims to preserve and maintain identified significant fabric, functions or spaces while supporting the long-term conservation, historic use and compatible renewal of the NGVI as it continues to evolve as a world-class art gallery.

Responding to the forthcoming Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation public realm project, the CMP will provide best-practice guidance to manage anticipated change to the Arts Centre Precinct.

The 2021 CMP provides a summary of the development of the gallery and the building to present day which details its competition conception, realisation and subsequent refurbishment.  A rigorous assessment of significant fabric and spaces, guided by previous CMPs, has enabled a revised statement and grading of significance across the building to be produced. 

Following production of the 2021 CMP, the Victorian Heritage Register registration for the NGVI has been updated to reflect the current statement of significance and permit policy to be developed to facilitate greater operational flexibility for the gallery.

Historically, the gallery has provided an inclusive and accessible venue for the display and presentation of artwork.  As the building evolves and its new context emerges, the 2021 CMP provides the gallery with guidance to preserve its identified significance through a series of conservation policies and management actions. The guidance ensures flexibility to deliver upon NGVI's mission and purpose as a world-class gallery in an accessible, inviting and inclusive venue.

Ultimately, the 2021 CMP provides a framework for the conservation and evolution of the gallery as its new Precinct context emerges.