A $2.3 million expansion of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery is set to begin March.

The expansion will include extended collection storage and exhibition space, including dedicated space for contemporary Aboriginal art exhibitions and programming, covered outdoor programming space, a reconfigured entrance, new air-conditioning plant and additional photovoltaic cells.

Council’s Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism, Jacqui Hemsley, said with a growing audience, higher demands for public exhibition space and rapidly developing collection an expansion of the gallery is essential.

“The gallery expansion will provide space to attract larger exhibitions increasing its appeal as a destination, while also allowing the gallery to simultaneously host complementary shows and public programs,” Ms Hemsley said.

“The project will enhance Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery’s role as a vital and forward-thinking regional facility in New South Wales, and will build on its award-winning Aboriginal programming.”

The expansion will also help in achieving the gallery’s target to reduce at least 30 per cent of its carbon footprint.

The Gallery will be temporarily closed from Sunday 31 March until September to allow construction to occur.

This project is funded by the NSW Government in association with Lake Macquarie City Council.