The reopening of a world-class Canterbury Museum is a step closer after Christchurch City Council voted to provide significant additional financial support for the redevelopment.

Councillors today approved a $15m grant and a $28.6m loan for the project, with the loan to be repaid through an entry fee for international visitors.

Canterbury Museum Deputy Director Sarah Murray said the funding was a major milestone.

“We are delighted and hugely grateful for this significant support,” Murray said.

“This investment maintains momentum on the project and brings us a step closer to reopening a world-class museum in the heart of the city, reconnecting our communities with the collections and stories they value.

“The council’s proposal reflects a practical and considered funding approach, including the proposed use of an international visitor entry charge. Visitor contributions are common in museums nationally and internationally, and this approach will support the long-term sustainability of the museum,” she said.

Murray said the museum would now continue working with its partners, including central Government, to secure the remaining components of the funding package and ensure the redevelopment could be delivered as planned.

Canterbury Museum Trust Board Chairperson Tom Thomson said the council funding was a strong vote of confidence in the redevelopment.

“We particularly appreciate the council’s ability to prioritise this project by using available surpluses,” Thomson said.

“That speaks to both careful financial management and the value the city and the wider region place on the museum.

“The project is well advanced, and this level of support reflects its importance to the region’s cultural, educational and economic future.”

Thomson said the museum would continue working closely with the Government and other partners to complete the funding package and place the redevelopment on a secure and sustainable footing.

The museum had previously secured funding to complete the new base-isolated basement and building, but only to the point that they would be weatherproof and insurable.

Work on that stage began in October last year and is expected to be completed in early 2028.

Funding for the redevelopment has so far come from the museum’s own funds, private donations, grants and Lotteries funding, central Government and local government.

The museum’s own contribution totals $63.4m, alongside $1.05m in private donations, $850,000 in grants and Lotteries funding, $35m from central Government and $118.2m from local government.

That local government funding includes $24.5m from Christchurch City Council for the base isolation and strengthening of the Robert McDougall Gallery, a council-owned building on which the museum holds a long-term lease.