Ground breaking ceremony to launch construction of The Rooms

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today attended the official ground breaking ceremony to launch construction of The Rooms, the $40 million culture and heritage centre to be built in the historic district of downtown St. John�s. When completed, the facility will house the Newfoundland Museum, the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Furey was joined by Dr. Mary Pratt, well known Newfoundland artist and co-chair of the Premier's Committee on Cultural Infrastructure, Shannie Duff, councillor for the City of St. John's, Gary F. Browne, acting chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Mike Dwyer, superintendent of the Fire Services Division. Deputy Chief Browne and Superintendant Dwyer represented their respective forces and the long history which both organizations have had with Fort Townshend, the location where the new building will be constructed.

"The creation of this facility is an important step socially for the preservation of this province�s cultural heritage," said Premier Tobin. "The Rooms will serve to tell our stories, to define who we are as a people and to celebrate our uniqueness. The entire arts and heritage community share in the work of preserving and presenting the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador, and I thank them for their support and participation in bringing The Rooms to reality."

"Just as the architecture of The Rooms reflects our proud heritage and unique culture, the building itself will stand as a symbol of this government�s commitment to preserving and presenting the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Furey. "For the next three years, we will all be working together to build The Rooms and the result will be a magnificent facility that preserves our cultural treasures for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and presents them proudly to the world."

Originally built in the late 1700s, Fort Townshend was one of the most significant fortifications in Britain�s defence of North America. At the time of the fort�s construction, Britain was determined to maintain their control of the phenomenal fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador�s coast which played a pivotal role in world economies, particularly of those countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The new building is being constructed in such a way that it will contain a portion of the historic remains of the fort, which will be developed as an archaeological museum in years to come.

When completed, the new building will offer over 150,000 square feet of exhibition space, meeting rooms, lecture halls, conservation labs and a state-of-the-art multi-media centre. Other amenities include a full service dining room and gift shop. The new space will permit the three founding institutions to offer a full range of public programming and the opportunity to participate in national and international tours of travelling exhibits and art collections which are not possible in their current locations.

The ground breaking ceremony took place today at 2:00 p.m.

Media contact:

Deborah Glassman
Communicatons, The Rooms
tel: (709) 729-5002
cell: (709) 749-1123

Elizabeth Matthews
Communications, Tourism, Culture and Recreation
tel: (709) 729-0928
cell: (709) 682-0366

2000 10 03 2:25 p.m.