Protecting Our Heritage: revised plans for Nelson Provincial Museum’s new Archives, Research and Collection facility
Nelson Provincial Museum Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao has presented revised plans for their new Archives, Research and Collections facility, trimming an estimated $6million from the original $14.9million budget. The new plans were presented to Nelson City Council in a workshop on 14th August, and is now open for public consultation.
Tasman Bays Heritage Trust Chair Venus Guy says that the Museum has worked incredibly hard with the design team and construction partner Scott Construction over the past year on an exciting new solution. Not only has the revised design significantly reduced the cost of the project, but it will also enable the critical work to rehouse the precious Nelson Tasman regional heritage collection, conservatively valued at $20million, to begin later this year.
“For generations, the Nelson Provincial Museum has been entrusted with preserving the rich cultural heritage of our region,” says Ms Guy. “But this has simply become impossible at the current facility in Isel Park, which is too small, has a dysfunctional layout and major issues including asbestos hazards, leaks, mould, electrical deficiencies and in a flood risk zone. In order to save the collection for future generations, we need to move the precious taonga we care for into a purpose-built facility as soon as possible, otherwise we risk losing it.”
A recent independent building report by Kaupapa Projects described the Isel Park facility as "a building housing collections of significant cultural value [and that] the building is unfit in almost every measurable criteria".
The proposed new Archives, Research and Collections facility will be built in Richmond, Tasman. The new green-field site will enable the facility to be built as a single storey building – and has room to expand collection storage by 30% in the future.
“Our original plans were to build the ARC facility in Church St adjacent to the Museum,” says Lucinda Jimson, Chief Executive. “However, the cost to build on this constricted inner-city site was significant – the services needed for a three-storey building to fit the site were very expensive. When the government announced last year that the Ministry of Culture and Heritage was no longer funding capital projects, there was no way that we could afford the $14.9 million price tag. The proposed one-storey building is much simpler and cheaper to construct and also has many other advantages including better public access and room to expand”. The reduction in price brings the project within the scope of a realistic target for additional fundraising of $1.2m to complete the project.
The museum is a CCO (council controlled organisation) equally owned and funded by Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. “The ARC proposal allows us to have a facility in each of our funding areas,” says Ms Jimson. “The ARC Facility is not about shifting the public face of the museum – it is about safeguarding the collections for the future and to support our exhibitions, research, and learning experiences. Our much-loved exhibitions and education facility will stay right where it is in Trafalgar St, Nelson.”
Tasman District Council have already confirmed their funding commitment of $3.1million to the project. NCC committed $3.04million for a new Archives, Research and Collections Facility in their Long Term Plan in 2018 and are consulting with the public over the new proposal.
The Museum has worked closely with iwi and the new proposal has their full support. “Iwi are fully committed to supporting this vital project to protect our taonga,” says Kimiora McGregor, iwi representative on the Trust Board. “We are excited with the opportunities the new facility will provide for iwi engagement.”
The ARC facility will be designed to enable access for researchers, schools and the community. The proposed site will be on the e-bus route and will have ample public parking.
Crucially, the facility will be able to preserve the priceless collection, with museum standard temperature and humidity controls – something woefully lacking at the current dilapidated and under-sized Isel Park Facility.
“If we want to save our heritage for our children, this critical project cannot wait any longer. The time to act is now”, says Ms Guy.
Nelson City Council consultation on the project closes 12pm, Friday 29th August 2025