LOOKING like a new building, the New England Regional Art Museum renovations have finally finished.
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At a price tag of $315,000, new cladding and insulation on the exterior will better protect its valuable collections.
NERAM director Robert Heather said the upgrade has brought it up to industry climate control standards.
“When I started, the place just looked shabby and decrepit,” Mr Heather said.
The old fibre-cement exterior was installed incorrectly, and had been there since 1993.
Art needs to be stored in climate controlled conditions, with the humidity and heat kept at a consistent level.
Because the building wasn’t sealed properly, NERAM was using more energy than necessary to maintain its temperature.
“One of my goals was within five years to get the exterior fixed up,” Mr Heather said.
Philanthropists pitched in to raise the money, along with a state government grant, and Council’s Stronger Communities funding.