National Wool Museum & Customs House Masterplan & Community Museum Strategy
Client Name
City of Greater Geelong
Date
2009
Project Description
The National Wool Museum in Geelong is a significant community asset. It is the only museum in Australia dedicated to Australia’s wool history and is integral to the history of the region. The National Wool Museum has a long history and many members of the community have invested in its future.
The Customs House is a key heritage asset for the City of Geelong. Its historical role in trade to and from the region provides an important link to the National Wool Museum.
In addition to these core assets there are a number of local museums in Greater Geelong with collections and exhibition aspirations. These museums bring together people of similar interest and provide meaningful activities that relate closely to their connection with Geelong.
Our Role
The City of Greater Geelong commissioned Root Projects Australia to undertake a masteplan for the future development of Geelong’s National Wool Museum and Customs House. In parallel with this work RPA was asked to develop a strategic response to the needs and issues facing a selection of Geelong’s community museums and collections.
RPA conducted an audit of spaces, a review of relevant Council and State Government policy documentation, undertook a series of consultations and analysed the data to inform potential future models. Three options were developed, each offering an alternative perspective that highlighted the core attributes from an economic, cultural and financial perspective. These options were used to assess potential cultural outcomes, spatial allocations and financial impacts. An evaluation framework was established and a final strategic recommendation was made to Council.
The Community Museum Strategy reviewed the community museums and collections to understand their value and how benefits can be realised with the appropriate level of investment. It established a strategic direction for the community museums that aligns their cultural aspirations with the community building objectives. The overall direction complemented the recommended future of the National Wool Museum and Customs House.
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