Construction on the first stage of the North Richmond Community Hub has officially begun, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on Saturday 26 September 2026 to celebrate the start of this important project for the community west of the Hawkesbury River. Following a competitive tender process, Boylson Group has been appointed to deliver the first stage of the North Richmond Community Hub.
Hawkesbury City Council hosted the event, attended by Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett, Susan Templeman MP, Member for Macquarie, Robyn Preston MP, Member for Hawkesbury, representatives from the North Richmond Community Centre Management Committee and staff, and project contractors, Boylson Group.
The event marked the beginning of works on Stage 1 of the Precinct, the North Richmond Youth Centre and Emergency Evacuation Centre building, a multi-purpose building that will operate as a youth centre and community space day-to-day, while providing a dedicated evacuation centre for the community west of the Hawkesbury River during times of need.
Future stages of the Precinct will build on this milestone, delivering a new and expanded Community Centre with multi-purpose halls and a creative residency space, improved amenities and kitchen facility, and a revitalised Elizabeth Street playground – creating enhanced community and recreation spaces for North Richmond’s growing community.
Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett said the groundbreaking marks a significant milestone for North Richmond and the wider Hawkesbury community.
“Today’s sod turning marks an exciting milestone for the North Richmond Community Hub. This project reflects a shared commitment to creating spaces that strengthen community connection, support local families and improve resilience during emergencies. Once delivered, Stage 1 will provide a valuable community asset that can be enjoyed by residents for years to come.” Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett said.
Hon. Peter Primrose MLC, Government Spokesperson for Hawkesbury, said the said the project reflected the NSW Government’s commitment to working with local government on community infrastructure.
“This investment demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering quality community infrastructure across Western Sydney by working collaboratively with local government. “Mr Primrose said.
Susan Templeman MP, Federal Member for Macquarie, said she was pleased to see construction underway on a facility that will serve the community for years to come.
“I am proud to have secured $2.5 million in Federal funding to assist with evacuation-specific requirements at North Richmond Community Centre.
“The fires and floods we’ve experienced have shown how vital it is to have facilities that can be quickly adapted for evacuation and recovery purposes, as well as providing a much-needed upgrade for everyday use.” Ms Templeman said.
The North Richmond Community Hub is located at 33 William Street, North Richmond, and will be delivered in stages, with construction of Stage 1 now underway.
The North Richmond Community Hub is being delivered with funding from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program and the Australian Government’s Protecting Our Communities (Disaster Resilience) Program, with a contribution from Hawkesbury City Council.
