Note: the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria expansion has been approved by City of Victoria councillors.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria will be before City of Victoria council on December 10th to seek approvals for plans to redevelop its aging facility at 1040 Moss Street.

Designed by Vancouver-based Lang Wilson Practice in Architecture (LWPAC), the architectural vision for the new design features a multi-angled stainless steel exterior with a varying "frit pattern" throughout. Glass curtain walls with concrete accents will lend an open, airy feel to the gallery entrance, a major departure from the existing building. Other exterior materials will include metal and polycarbonate cladding that will create a multi-surfaced design tying in with the overall metallic theme. The floor plate of the new addition will total some 14,000 square feet and a ground floor glass-encased walkway will connect the historic Spencer Mansion. Parking for 26 vehicles, three scooters/motorcycles and 50 bicycles will be provided on-site.

A 220 seat multi-purpose theatre will be situated on the ground floor adjacent to a cafe. Expanded spaces for permanent and flex collections, together with a significant increase in storage space round out the key benefits of the new facility.

"We are excited by the prospect of expanded public space for community engagement, the increased state-of-the art exhibit space and the improved and expanded storage facilities," said gallery Director, Jon Tupper.

Plans for a gallery replacement were first aired in 2012 as the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) submitted a request for proposals that sought design ideas from 18 international architectural firms. The AGGV ultimately selected the work of LWPAC assisted with Victoria-based Moore Architecture.

The AGGV continues to seek support from the community for financing the $21 million project which is expected to be completed in 2017 or 2018. C

Edited December 11, 2015.

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