The Fox: NGV Contemporary is a step closer to becoming a reality with a head contractor announced to commence works on the Southbank site in the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct.
Lendlease has been awarded the contract to commence construction for what will be the largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design in Australia.
The Fox: NGV Contemporary is part of the Allan Labor Government's $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation which also includes significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building and Laak Boorndap, a new 18,000 square metre urban garden filled with biodiverse planting, public art and places for rest.
Once complete, The Fox: NGV Contemporary will span 30,000 square metres, with more than 13,000 square metres of public space to display contemporary art and design from Victoria and around the world, including exhibition galleries, hospitality and events spaces and an expansive rooftop terrace.
The work Lendlease will undertake also includes part of the deck structure for Laak Boorndap and precinct services.
The city-shaping Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project is expected to employ 11,000 workers across the life of the project, including career-launching opportunities for those just starting out.
Almost 550,000 hours of opportunities will be provided to cadets, trainees and apprentices throughout the project, with more than 34,000 hours already worked.
In preparation for The Fox: NGV Contemporary, the former Carlton United Breweries building on Southbank Boulevard was deconstructed in 2024 and 95 per cent of materials were diverted from landfill to be reused or recycled.
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation is a Victorian State Government project, delivered by Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), Creative Victoria and Development Victoria, in partnership with National Gallery of Victoria and Arts Centre Melbourne. Find out more at artsprecinct.melbourne.