The Forbes Arts Society has revealed its vision for the former Forbes Ambulance Station building.
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Initial concept images of the new Forbes Cultural Centre prepared by Orange-based consultants, Source Architects, depict the heritage-listed building restored to its former glory.
Located on the corner of Lachlan and Court streets, the prominent building is set to house an expanded art gallery, meeting rooms, performance, workshop spaces and cafe, a media release issued by the Forbes Arts Society on Monday explains.
The $5.7 million Lachlan Valley Arts and Cultural Development aims to grow the Forbes and Lachlan Shire and the Lachlan Valley visitor economy and promote the region as a premier tourism destination.
READ MORE: Former Forbes Ambulance Station SOLD
In addition to the new Forbes Cultural Centre, the project also includes the commissioning of 15 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture down the Lachlan Trail and the redevelopment of the Bird Hides at the Gum Swamp wetlands.
Forbes Arts Society's Dr Keith Mullette described the project as a game-changer and said it was an exciting time for tourism in the region.
"While we are in the early design phase for the new Cultural Centre, preliminary work has already commenced on parts of the new bird hides, and there are three new sculptures ready for installation along the Lachlan Valley Way," he said.
"Over the next three years we will see our vision of developing Forbes as a cultural and arts hub come to fruition and hopefully incorporating the Shires of the valley."
READ MORE: A start to a pop-up art gallery in Parkes
Residents are invited to learn more about the project at a public meeting to be held next Wednesday 12 February at the Forbes Services Club commencing at 5.30pm.
The Forbes Arts Society also has a survey on social media where you can have your say on the plans - go to their Facebook page or ask at the Forbes Advocate newspaper for a printed copy.
The Lachlan Valley Arts and Cultural Development is jointly funded by the NSW Government under the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, Evolution Mining, Forbes Shire Council and Lachlan Shire Council and the Forbes Arts Society.
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