Renewal project a big win

24 Carrot public kitchen, Gagebrook. Photo Credit: MONA/Jesse Hunniford. Image courtesy of the artist and MONA Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

Brighton Council, Tasmania, has joined with MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, to provide a major overhaul of a popular local park and deliver an exciting new community space.

Federal funding to the tune of $620,00 secured under the Building Better Region Fund grant program, and an election promise from the State Government of $250,000, will contribute to Council’s $1.26 million Gagebrook Renewal Project.

Council is partnering with MONA and community housing provider, Centacare Evolve Housing, who are also contributing financially, to deliver a major redevelopment of Cris Fitzpatrick Park on Tottenham Road in Gagebrook.

The project will deliver significant new park facilities including the construction of MONA’s Bond Place Classroom: an architecturally designed, free community space offering a permanent undercover, weather-proof classroom for community activities, meals, events and classes.

The new Bond Place Classroom will boost the delivery of activities for residents, school students and community groups from one day per week to between 3 and 5 days per week.

Brighton Mayor, Leigh Gray, said, “The local community was consulted about what they wanted to see happen with this park and securing this new government funding means those hopes can now become a reality.

“Our recent 2050 Vision identified the importance of building strong positive relationships, partnerships and collaborations in creating a better future for our community.

“This funding success for this transformative project, partnering with MONA, Centacare Evolve and both tiers of government, proves the value of this approach.

“It will also allow MONA to expand their much-loved Bond Place precinct, affectionately known as Bondy, and all the wonderful community events and activities that happen there.

“This project brings to life every part of our 2050 Vision: a thriving place, a proud community, a good life at every age, a comfortable home, a caring council and a sustainable environment.”