Ballina Shire Council is progressing a major upgrade of the Alstonville Cultural Centre, set to transform the site into a modern, accessible and energy-efficient community facility for the growing Alstonville and Wollongbar communities.
At the heart of the redevelopment is a significantly expanded, two-storey library, growing from 145m² to 756m², designed as a contemporary hub for learning and community connection. The new library will include dedicated children's areas, study and digital learning spaces, meeting rooms, modern amenities and flexible layouts to support a wide range of programs and activities.
The broader upgrade also includes enhanced community facilities, with a larger sports court, air-conditioned multi-purpose spaces, upgraded amenities, and a new entrance and foyer.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the project will deliver long-term benefits for the community.
"This project will transform the Alstonville Cultural Centre into a modern, welcoming space that better meets the needs of our community now and into the future," Mayor Cadwallader said.
"Projects of this scale do take time and may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate the community's patience as construction progresses. In the end, this investment will deliver a modern, accessible facility the community can enjoy for decades to come."
To enable construction to begin, Alstonville Library will temporarily relocate to Wollongbar Community Hall from May 2026.
Mayor Cadwallader said the temporary move is an important step in delivering the upgraded facility.
"The new library will be significantly larger and more flexible, providing improved spaces for reading, study, programs and community use."
"While there will be some short-term impacts to library services during the relocation, this is a key step in delivering a facility that will benefit the community for many years to come."
Alstonville Library will close at its current location on Saturday 25 April 2026, before reopening at Wollongbar Community Hall on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Construction of the new Alstonville Cultural Centre is expected to commence from early May 2026, with completion anticipated in mid-2027, subject to weather and construction conditions.
Alstonville Library relocation - key dates and information
- Friday 24 April 2026 – Last day of operation at Alstonville Library
- Saturday 25 April – Monday 11 May 2026 – Temporary closure for relocation
- Tuesday 12 May 2026 – Library services reopen at Wollongbar Community Hall
Temporary location
Wollongbar Community Hall, Hall Court, Wollongbar NSW 2477
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm
When services reopen at Wollongbar, some temporary adjustments will be in place, including:
- A smaller, curated collection available onsite
- Access to the full collection via reservations
- Continued access to digital services, including ebooks and eaudiobooks
- Relocation of the mobile library service (currently in Simpson Avenue, Wollongbar every second Wednesday) to Commercial Road, Alstonville to support local access
- Most weekday programs will continue.
Some services will not be available at the temporary location, including public computers, printing and Saturday Games.
Council will continue to provide updates throughout the transition, with information available on both Council's and the Richmond Tweed Regional Libraries website.
For more information on the Alstonville Cultural Centre Upgrade project, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/alstonville-cultural-centre-upgrade
For up to date information on Alstonville Library services, including key dates and FAQs, visit https://rtrl.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRNGEN/OPAC/ALU
