Dozens of cultural and sporting hubs across Lismore, including the town's iconic City Hall, are now restored and revitalised after suffering flood damage in 2022.
It's a significant milestone for Lismore's multi-year flood recovery, with all 45 building projects under the City Council's Flood Restoration Portfolio now complete.
The $112 million restoration works were primarily jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Additional funding was provided through Create NSW, the State Library of NSW, and contributions from Lismore City Council.
The restored buildings include major civic, cultural and sporting facilities, from the revitalised Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore Library and Municipal Building through to community sporting hubs such as Albert Park Baseball Complex, Lismore Basketball Stadium and Lismore Tennis Club.
Lismore City Hall was the program's most ambitious restoration, with the iconic venue requiring a complete internal reconstruction.
It was stripped to its bare shell before being carefully rebuilt, with internal layouts reconfigured to improve functionality, flexibility and resilience against future flooding. It's due to reopen in early 2027.
Snapshot of the Flood Restoration Portfolio:
- $112 million invested
- 21 public amenities buildings upgraded
- 11 sporting clubs and community groups returned to their facilities
- 4 cultural buildings restored and reopened
The significance of the program extends well beyond the physical restoration. For Lismore locals, these buildings are woven into everyday life. They are the places where local athletes train and compete, artists showcase their work, people learn, and residents connect with one another.
Together, these projects stand as a testament to the Lismore community's resilience and serve as a foundation for the city's continued renewal and growth.
