Redevelopment puts pressure on Tap Gallery

By Alex Giblin

The owner of the building which currently houses the Tap Gallery, in Palmer Street, Darlinghurst, has applied to redevelop the property, which would force the gallery to relocate.

However, City of Sydney council voted unanimously Monday to defer the decision on the development.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said additional time is needed to assess the impact on residents.

Responding to the development application, gallery manager Lesley Dimmick said: “We’ve moved once before, so it’s not a drama, but finding a suitable premises will be.”

“We’re very happy where we are, we’ve got a beautiful space and we’ve been here a long time. We’ve got goodwill in the area and everybody knows where we are.”

Tap Gallery opened in 1989, operating as a not-for-profit organisation, providing a platform for new artists to launch their careers.

It has proved popular with both artists and art-lovers over that time.

If approved, the redevelopment, estimated to be worth $5 million, will see the property become a three-storey private family residence.

City of Sydney Councillor Chris Harris, who opposes the development in its current form, sympathised with the gallery, but said: “Tap Gallery are renting a space owned by a private owner.”

“People can do what they like, they can develop properties as long as . . . they’re within the controls.”

In the event the application is eventually approved, Mr Harris said, “I hope the City can help them find something that’s affordable for them.”