A tender for the design of a new art gallery in the State Square Precinct in Darwin’s CBD has been released, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture Lauren Moss has said.

She said the art gallery was part of the Civic and State Square Masterplan, financed through the $200 million City Deal, a partnership between the federal and Territory governments and the City of Darwin.

The NT Government says it will cost $50 million for the art gallery, plus $1.5 million to demolish the old Chan Building.

Ms Moss said she envisaged the gallery would showcase art from the Territory’s collection and host Australian and international exhibitions.

Construction was anticipated to begin in early 2022 and be completed by mid-2023, with the gallery expected to open in late 2023, Ms Moss said.

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