The peak tourism body for the Riverland district, Destination Riverland, has been successful in its bid to take over the heritage building that formerly housed the River Lands Gallery.

The rare opportunity to transform the use of 23 Wilson Street, Berri was offered by Country Arts SA earlier this year and received genuine interest from a variety of groups around the Riverland. The successful applicant is responsible for costs associated with the set-up and their ongoing enterprise.

Country Arts SA Chief Executive Office, Steve Saffell, said that Destination Riverland was the ideal candidate.

"We were seeking an operator who could bring a new and engaging vision to this beautiful building that would add to the cultural richness of the region. Destination Riverland is a resource used by locals and tourists alike which promotes unique experiences and up to date information about the area to a wider audience. Its engagement with the local community and vision for the future makes it a good fit for the space," said Saffell.

The building, constru-cted in 1917 as the old irrigation office, is conve-niently located in the heart of Berri’s CBD area near specialty shops, eateries, services, the Town Hall and Council Offices. It was renovated when taken over by Country Arts SA in 1996 to become a gallery space for the community.

"Tourism is a significant industry within the Riverland contributing over $148 m to the local economy. A growing tourism sector is vital to the ongoing prosperity of the region. The arts and culture of our district could, and should, play a big part in that future prosperity," said Destination Riverland General Manager Caroline Phillips.

Destination Riverland is currently reviewing plans to enable community arts groups continue to use the building and volunteer their time to promote the arts to the broader community and visitors in the future. Arts and tourism are a natural fit."

Country Arts SA has relocated the region’s Arts Officer Rebecca Farrant to the Chaffey Theatre in Renmark.

Destination Riverland will be in their new office as of this week.