A major milestone in the upgrade of the Alstonville Cultural Centre was marked this week, with Ballina Shire Council celebrating the commencement of construction.
Representatives from Ballina Shire Council, councillors, project partners, Richmond Tweed Regional Library, media and other community stakeholders gathered onsite on Tuesday 26 May to mark this significant construction milestone, as the much-loved community facility begins its transformation into a modern, accessible and energy-efficient community hub.
The project will deliver a substantially expanded library, upgraded community spaces, improved accessibility and modern amenities designed to better support the growing needs of the Alstonville community, as well as a range of sustainability improvements.
Ballina Shire Mayor Cr Sharon Cadwallader said the celebration marked an exciting moment for the community and highlighted the strong progress already taking place onsite.
"It's fantastic to see this important community project moving ahead and to officially celebrate the next stage of works," Mayor Cadwallader said.
"Council is proud to be delivering a project that reflects the needs of our growing community and the importance of investing in quality community infrastructure."
"This redevelopment represents a significant investment in the future of the plateau communities and the services and spaces they will enjoy for generations to come."
Council's Facilities Manager, Kerry Condon said works were progressing well onsite, with Hutchinson Builders entering the next phase of demolition and preparation works, with visible activity increasing over the coming weeks.
"Over the coming weeks, the community will start to see significant activity taking place as sections of the roof and walls are removed to prepare the building for the next stage,"
Mr Condon said.
"While parts of the existing structure are being removed, the building's steel framework will remain and be incorporated into the upgraded facility, which is something many people may not realise."
"Before it can be reused, the steel structure will undergo assessment to ensure it meets current compliance standards and is ready to support the building well into the future."
"These important behind-the-scenes works are laying the foundation for the major construction works ahead, and it is exciting to now be at the point where the community will begin to see the transformation take shape."
Library services continue to operate from Wollongbar Community Hall while construction is underway, ensuring continued access for plateau residents throughout the redevelopment period.
Construction on the upgraded facility is expected to continue through to mid-2027, weather and site conditions permitting.
For more information, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/alstonville-cultural-centre-upgrade
