The Mount Barker Council Assessment Panel has granted planning consent for the new Heysen Gallery project, a significant cultural development designed to house the esteemed artworks of Hans and Nora Heysen.
The approval, confirmed on Wednesday, May 15, marks a pivotal moment for the project, which is set at The Cedars Hahndorf.
Beyond Ink, a renowned design and town planning practice, has been instrumental in refining the gallery plans, ensuring the new building harmoniously integrates with the site’s historical and environmental context.
The firm’s Principal, John Ashcroft, expressed pride in the project, emphasizing its role in preserving the Heysen legacy. “The Cedars and their collection of artworks hold great cultural and historical significance. We are proud to contribute to this space that will steward the Heysen legacy,” Ashcroft stated.
The application process, managed by Beyond Ink’s Senior Town Planner Sonia Gallarello, was highlighted as a model of cooperative planning, involving smooth collaboration with council staff and State Heritage.
Gallarello shared her enthusiasm about the project’s progress, noting, “The variation maintains the essence of the original consent granted a year ago but optimizes the built form and scale to suit current needs without additional environmental impact.”
The design, evolved from previous iterations, now offers a reduced footprint that better suits the operational realities and financial constraints of modern gallery management, especially considering the volunteer-based nature of the venue’s staffing.
Scott Robinson, Senior Designer at Beyond Ink, described the aesthetic and functional ethos of the design: “The gallery is designed to foster an immersive exploration of the Heysens’ artistic oeuvre and the scenic beauty of The Cedars. With earthy tones and rich timber elements, the building reflects the majestic gum trees that feature prominently in Hans Heysen’s work, encapsulating the essence of the Adelaide Hills and the values of the Heysen family.”
James Sexton, Chair for the Hans Heysen Foundation, also expressed his excitement about the approval. “We are thrilled to have received this approval and look forward to the gallery’s completion with the continued support of Beyond Ink,” he said.
The Heysen Gallery is supported by a federal grant under the Adelaide City Deal, ensuring that the project will not only enhance cultural appreciation for regional and national visitors but also provide a sustainable future for the preservation of local heritage.
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