A $5.67 million upgrade of the Line of Lode reserve at Broken Hill has been completed delivering an upgraded reserve and extended and refurbished space that could become home to a restaurant, café, gallery or shop.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government-funded upgrade includes landscaping around buildings and construction of a new reticulated water system to supply the reserve's kitchen, toilets, and grounds.
"This major upgrade to the Miner's Memorial has provided a more modern and flexible facility that will be able to cater to locals and tourists in Broken Hill, Australia's first heritage-listed city," Mr Anderson said.
"The 12-month project has supported more than 400 workers who have worked to provide improved landscaping of the grounds, new amenities, a refurbished interior, and the construction of a new water system that will secure water supply to the reserve and its facilities."
Aerial shot of Line of Lode upgrade
The Line of Lode Reserve is a Crown reserve managed by Crown Lands which is looking for a commercial operator interested in leasing the new upgraded building.
The upgrade was funded by Crown Lands and managed by Public Works Advisory which engaged Allen Jack and Cottier Architects for design work and North Construction and Building for construction.
Foundation Broken Hill CEO Travis Nadge said the completion of the upgrade was a huge boost for the Broken Hill region.
"It is great to see the existing infrastructure expanded and also new components added to the reserves appeal, which is a great thing for Broken Hill and the local economy," Mr Nadge said.
The upgrade supported work for about 416 people with half the project spending occurring in the Far West, including in trade areas such as earthmoving, electrical, hydraulics, structural steel, mechanical, roofing, cladding, tiling and floor works.
Improvements to the reserve include:
- Redesigned and expanded Broken Earth Complex with new amenities and refurbished interior. Plans to install a commercial kitchen are being explored to support café, restaurant or function operations.
- Landscaping of the reserve including native plantings, footbridges, granite pavements stone clad retaining walls, concrete bleacher seating and an automated irrigation system.
- Construction of a reticulated water system to ensure a safe and secure water supply to the reserve and its facilities, to service its kitchen, on-site water tanks, toilet amenities, and watering the grounds.
Mullock heap overlooking Broken Hill. Image: Destination NSW
