Federation Square is to be revitalised as part of an expanded and continuous arts, civic and cultural precinct to extend across the Yarra and include the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Arts Centre Melbourne and the new NGV Contemporary.
Minister for Creative Industries, Danny Pearson said a new entity, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), would be established to oversee Federation Square and a new 18,000 square metre immersive public garden to be delivered as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation.
“MAP Co will take responsibility for the running of Federation Square, ensuring a co-ordinated approach to activating and maintaining these two landmark public spaces,” Mr Pearson said.
“MAP Co’s creation responds to the 2020 Federation Square review and will strengthen the square’s governance and its cultural and civic purpose,” he said.
“Federation Square and the Melbourne Arts Precinct are home to many of Victoria’s leading creative attractions – from Koorie Heritage Trust and the renewed ACMI, to Arts Centre Melbourne’s iconic performance venues and the three campuses of the National Gallery of Victoria, including NGV International, NGV Australia and the future NGV Contemporary.”
Mr Pearson said the creation of MAP Co would be overseen by an interim board, chaired by James MacKenzie, current Chair of the Victorian Funds Management Corporation and former President of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust.
Mr Pearson said that pre-pandemic, Federation Square and the Melbourne Arts Precinct attracted approximately 12 million visitors annually.
“Visitor numbers are expected to surpass this with the completion of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation and the Metro Tunnel project, which includes a new entrance to Federation Square,” he said.
Mr Pearson said Development Victoria would continue as the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation delivery partner.
