HOTA Gallery achieves construction milestone

The City has today celebrated an important milestone with construction of the Home of The Arts Gallery reaching its highest point.

The $60.5 million HOTA Gallery is the tallest building structure the City has undertaken, and was celebrated by stakeholders at a topping out ceremony.

Representatives from City of Gold Coast, HOTA, ARM Architecture and builder Hansen Yuncken trowelled the last pour of concrete atop the building to symbolise the completion of the structural phase of the project.

A traditional evergreen tree was also placed on the rooftop to convey good luck and prosperity for the future occupants. The species is sourced from the HOTA landscape plan and will be incorporated into the landscape works later in the year.

Mayor Tom Tate said the ceremony recognised the importance of strong working relationships between the City, the managing contractor Hansen Yuncken and HOTA in helping the gallery rise from the ground.

“Construction of the $60.5 million HOTA Gallery is progressing on time and on budget thanks to a great working relationship between all involved stakeholders,” said Mayor Tom Tate.

“This project is a major economic stimulator for the city and has provided 355 jobs to local Gold Coast-based workers to date, with this figure set to increase to 900 by the time the gallery is completed. Furthermore, 90 per cent of sub-contractors and suppliers engaged to date are from South East Queensland.

 “As HOTA continues to expand, so too will our visual arts community – and this project is a catalyst for further growth and job opportunities for our creatives in the future.

“In line with our masterplan, the precinct will be a home for the arts and cultural community in our city. The precinct will act as a creative hub where art and cultural expression can be recognised and celebrated.

“I am beyond excited to be one of the first to experience the sweeping 270 degree views from the rooftop experience.

“The HOTA Gallery will become a cultural beacon in the Australian artistic scene and I am looking forward to the City hosting international exhibitions when the gallery opens.’’

The gallery comprises six storeys, and will offer guests an accessible rooftop with 270 degree views of the city skyline and landscape. It provides 2000sqm of gallery exhibition space including a 1000 square metre exhibition hall for touring international exhibitions.

A ground floor café and foyer will offer views across the amphitheatre to the Outdoor Stage.

HOTA Gallery construction is being delivered by managing contractor and leading Australian construction company Hansen Yuncken, who also delivered The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart.

The gallery is AAA-rated, a universal standard for museums and art galleries which meet stringent design, build, mechanical and technical requirements.