HOPES of revitalising the Golden Dragon Museum have taken a step forward with the completion of a strategic plan.
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Bendigo Chinese Association president Doug Lougoon remained tight-lipped about the plan, saying the BCA and the museum wanted to show it to key stakeholders before going public.
This work includes showing it to the state government, which funded the project, and the City of Greater Bendigo.
But Mr Lougoon did confirm the plan included redeveloping an ageing museum building.
“The Golden Dragon Museum is 25 years old this year. And the taste of visitors has changed remarkably, particularly in the past 10 years,” he said.
“Tourists want a much more ‘submersive’ – and sometimes intellectually stimulating – experience, compared to what we’ve got.”
He said the development would also enable the museum to display more from its collections, as well as allowing staff more space for curatorial and preservation work.
Mr Lougoon said the strategic plan would also help the BCA and museum come to understandings on a number of outstanding issues with the council.
These issues include disagreements over how much financial assistance the council should give for maintenance of infrastructure in the Dai Gum San precinct.
Tensions were evident in 2014 when the state government announced it would contribute $100,000 towards the strategic plan.
At the time the museum was at risk of closure because of limited infrastructure and increased costs.
The then-museum treasurer Anita Jack said the building needed to be of a certain standard to become a modern tourist attraction, but the council was not providing the support needed.
But yesterday afternoon Mr Lougoon said the council, BCA and museum had a close relationship.
He said there were concerns about some maintenance issues, “but our previous talks with the city were ‘let’s get the strategic plan on the table and then let’s work through all the things we need to work through’.”
Mr Lougoon added that the completion of the strategic plan comes as the council considers funding a new archway in the precinct.
The archway would replace one torn down several years ago which was infested with termites and dry rot.
While Mr Lougoon said he understood no plans were set in stone, the BCA was keen to see a new archway built.