Millers Acre to house new Nelson Arts Hub

A new home for Nelson’s arts industry at the redeveloped Millers Acre will allow local artists and their work to take centre stage in the heart of Nelson city.

The Nelson Arts Hub and Arts development agency, which both have a remit to develop new economic opportunities for local artists, will now benefit from a high-profile location that acts as the gateway to our city centre for both locals and visitors from further afield.

The Arts Hub and Arts development agency will occupy the northern section of Millers Acre, adjacent to River Kitchen. Refurbishment of the space, estimated at $1.25 million, will be funded through capital expenditure set aside in Nelson City Council’s Long Term Plan 2024–34. The new location and funding allocation were confirmed in a confidential Council meeting in September.

Mayor Nick Smith says the development of this new Arts Hub in the Council-owned building at Millers Acre is part of revitalising the city and growing Nelson’s creative sector.

"Council’s Long Term Plan made provision for buying a new building as part of the 2022 Arts Strategy. This decision to use an existing, vacant Council-owned building is a more cost-effective option. It is an ideal site for the Arts Hub with its high profile and location adjacent to the Nelson Bus Hub and DOC centre. We want to reactivate this strategic site to showcase Nelson’s creative sector and art festivals.”

The Arts Hub and Arts development agency will rent the space under a community lease, paying peppercorn rent until 30 June 2028 while sub-leases are established. Sub-leasing revenue will help offset costs for the Arts development agency, with income shared between the agency and Council. This arrangement supports both community use and financial sustainability.

“We’re thrilled that Millers Acre has been selected as the future home for Nelson’s new Community Arts Hub," says Te Tai-o-Aorere Arts Development Trust Chair Sophie Kelly.

"Its central location makes it a natural gathering point for creativity and community connection. The hub will house the new Arts Development Agency, which will coordinate efforts across the arts sector to deliver lasting cultural, social and economic benefits for Whakatū.

"Proposed as the glue that holds the sector together, our role is to advocate for the arts, help secure new funding and investment, and shine a light on the incredible creative work happening here in the region. The community can expect a welcoming space that celebrates local creativity in all its forms, supports collaboration, and helps make the arts more visible and accessible to everyone.

"This hub isn’t just a building; it’s a statement about who we are as a community - vibrant, collaborative, and proud of our arts and culture."

Deputy Mayor Pete Rainey says the new space will help strengthen the arts community in Nelson.

"This new hub gives the arts a visible and accessible presence in the heart of Nelson. It’s not just about having a building, it’s about creating opportunities for artists, audiences, and educators to come together and build something lasting for the region.

“The hub’s the first thing many visitors to Nelson will see. It’s a clear symbol of the importance of art to the revitalisation of our city."

In 2022, an independent analysis of Nelson’s arts facilities commissioned by Council identified a clear need for a central space to support the sector. Following extensive community consultation as part of the Long Term Plan 2024-34, Council confirmed that a hub would not only provide essential physical spaces, such as workshop spaces, galleries, and offices, but also serve as a catalyst for connection, co-ordination, and creativity across the arts community.

This decision supports the implementation of He Tātai Whetū, Whakatū Nelson’s Arts and Creativity Strategy, and reflects the community’s strong desire for a dedicated space to foster artistic collaboration and innovation.

Arthouse Architects has been selected to design the new space, and the tender process for a build partner is expected to open in January 2026. Construction is expected to begin in March and be completed in June 2026.

ENDS

Media release shared from Nelson City Council. For more information, please contact: media@ncc.govt.nz