The transformation of the old Byron Bay hospital into a community hub will start in August.
Council approved a tender of $6.5 million for the redevelopment of the site into a facility that will serve the social and educational needs of the community.
The old hospital closed in 2016 when the Byron Central Hospital opened and in 2019, after lobbying from Council and the community, the NSW Government sold the hospital to Council for $1.
With input from a Community Advisory Group, the plans for the 2,500m2 site are for it to be repurposed to home organisations across four critical sectors – education, community services, creative industries and health.
Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, said the redevelopment of the old Byron Bay Hospital is an opportunity to provide much-needed support services designed for, and targeting to, local people.
“Byron Bay caters very well for tourists but support for the people, who live and work in the town, attend local schools, support local sporting clubs and work in businesses, is thin on the ground,” Mayor Lyon said.
“Until now we have been dealing in plans and concepts but that is all about to change, and it is very exciting,” he said.
The reconstruction of the building is due to be complete in April 2024 and then it is handed over to the not-for-profit organisation, Social Futures, to manage.
Wordsworth Street, along the eastern side of the site, will be upgraded to maximise parking and improve pedestrian access, with this work expected to start in late July.
Information about the redevelopment of the old Byron Bay Hospital is on Council’s website.
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