A major cost blowout in building Darwin's flagship art gallery has put its future under a cloud. Photo: Lloyd Jones/AAP PHOTOS A government task force is deciding the future of Darwin's flagship art gallery building - and it could become a mixed-use office block instead. Subscribe now for unlimited access . or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other in your area The $145 million State Square Building was designed to showcase one of Australia's most important art collections, held by the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT (MAGNT), and has been purpose-built with two large gallery spaces. But costs have blown out by $100 million, according to Northern Territory Arts Minister Jinson Charls, who said the project lacked a business case and operational funding. It's sad the government is walking away from the purpose-built gallery, Labor's Chansey Paech says. (Neve Brissenden/AAP PHOTOS) Turning the gallery into an office block instead would be a depressing outcome, said NT Labor's arts spokesman Chansey Paech. "It's incredibly disrespectful and offensive to our creative community in the Northern Territory," he said. "You've got a government walking away from a building purpose-built to celebrate the contributions of arts in the Territory, and I think that's really sad." The Country Liberal Party government launched an eight-week expression of interest process that it said was intended to identify the most cost effective and impactful use for the site. "This is about securing a future use for this building that benefits Territorians, boosts the economy, makes our city centre a destination of choice," said Charls in a statement. That process ended in late October, with the list of tenderers including two property development firms, a top-end tourism peak body - and a 3D metal printing company that is expanding into manufacturing rocket engine parts. MAGNT is also in the mix, but declined to comment citing the terms of the expression of interest process. MAGNT's existing site at site at Darwin's Bullocky Point has functioned as both museum and art gallery since 1981, and like many cultural institutions, the institution has only a small fraction of its collection on show, with the rest in storage. Indigenous art is a major tourist attraction but plans for a gallery in Alice Springs were scrapped. (Marianna Massey/AAP PHOTOS) The Northern Territory is at the centre of what is perhaps Australia's biggest contribution to visual arts, the Aboriginal art movement, which is also a major tourist attraction for the region. One of the movement's annual showcases, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, recently posted sales figures of $5.1 million, the event's best result in almost two decades of operation. The State Square project, funded by both federal and NT governments, is expected to be finished by July 2026 and open for use from August. Australian Associated Press Daily Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. As it happens Public Service News Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service. Weekdays The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Weekdays The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Weekly Subscriber Only Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Twice weekly The Senior Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior. Weekly What's On Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Daily Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Daily Subscriber Only Early Look At David Pope Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon. Weekly Times Reader's Panel Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers. Weekly Weekend Reads We've selected the best reading for your weekend. Weekly Property Get the latest property and development news here. Weekly Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Weekdays The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Twice weekly The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. As it happens Subscriber Only Special Reports Get the very best journalism from The Canberra Times by signing up to our special reports. Twice weekly Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Weekly Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. As it happens Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks. Daily Subscriber Only Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Daily Subscriber Only Your favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Ad Advertisement Ad