Business Case

In May 2015, Greater Shepparton councillors endorsed the recommendations of a report on the progression of a new Shepparton Art Museum, with the project now included in Council’s long term financial plan and strategic resource plan.

The report centred around a Business Case, developed by tourism consulting agency Simon McArthur and Associates.

After considering the Business Case, Council conducted a public feedback process with 76 per cent of respondents in favour of supporting the Business Case for a new Shepparton Art Museum. Nineteen per cent opposed the Business Case and five per cent partially supported the Business Case.

The Business Case indicates a new art museum is a feasible project which would make a considerable social and economic impact on our region. It will provide Greater Shepparton City Council with an asset three times the value of the funds needed to contribute to the build.

The Business Case outlines that after 10 years operation the Art Museum will be contributing $3.1m in economic activity to the region. The overall economic impact on the region at the end of 10 years has a present value of $9.15m with the impact growing into the future.

Construction of a new museum will lead to $58.1m in economic activity during the two year build equating to 181 jobs across the region.

The aim of the feasibility study into a new art museum for Shepparton was to investigate a project that would strengthen the economic base for Shepparton, by encouraging a diversification of industry in the region, and significantly growing the desirability of Shepparton as a place in which to live, work, invest and to visit. 

The study was undertaken between August and December 2014 and included 300 interviews and 11 workshops with the community as well as an online survey which received 100 different ideas about what a new SAM could be. Market testing of concepts arising from the survey also took place. Community participants have had a significant impact on the resulting Business Case which clearly outlines a museum designed for the community of Shepparton, for families and children and with arts activity at its centre.

At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 May 2015, Council voted to accept the findings of the Feasibility Study and Business Case and endorsed the location at the southern end of Victoria Park Lake.