The Beaverbrook Art Gallery in downtown Fredericton started the second phase of its two-year construction project this fall with plans for a new terrace, cafe and in-house theatre. The 14,000-square-feet of extra space will also make room for a sculpture courtyard and two extra galleries.
One of the project’s first priorities is accessibility, with a new wheelchair ram expected to be finished by next week. Once winter settles in, construction will move inside, with the gallery being closed to the public from this January until May 2016.
“It will be a short-term absence that we’re confident will be worth it in the long run. We can’t wait to show off this renewed and renovated space,” says Jeremy Elder-Jubelin, manager of communications and Visitor Services at the gallery.
Once the building reopens in the Spring, construction will move back outside to the expansion of the gallery’s pavilion.
Marcello Battilana, manager of Planning and Development in Fredericton, says the
the project will add to the investment of the downtown area.
“We look forward to the construction…it will reflect some of the attributes of our downtown.”
The renovations are making good time, with construction well on its way to being finished by 2017. The project is being touted as a refreshment to the city’s downtown core.
You can check out what the building will look like after renovations on the gallery’s website for more information.
