Djiringanj people of the Yuin Nation
NSW Regional
Regional
After a devastating fire, the story of the 1888 Old Bega Hospital’s reconstruction is founded on community resilience. Following the hospital’s closure in 1957, it was used for various purposes before being embraced by the community in 1985. In 2004, a fire destroyed most of the old hospital, leaving only the brick walls, chimneys, and remnants of the roof, floors, and joinery.
After a decade of community fundraising, Design 5 – Architects were appointed in 2020. Establishing the blueprint for the hospital’s rebuild, work was carried out by local firm Leser Build in 2023-24.
The original fabric was preserved where possible, and reconstruction was guided by documentary and site evidence. Through a transformative, yet sensitive approach, the building now includes compliant access, upgraded amenities and services, a community kitchen, and multipurpose spaces. Remnants of the fire-damaged fabric are retained and incorporated into the building’s ongoing use as a valuable community facility.
The response from the community to the design and execution of the Restoration of the OBH has been extraordinary; amongst the locals whose families and friends have a long-term association with the OBH, visitors to the region and those who use the OBH as the Regional Community Cultural Hub as their base or for events, workshops and meetings. It reflects the stories to be told of those who worked and lived in the building, serving as a ‘memory cathedral’ preserving the echoes of past lives and experiences. The spaces invite reflection, remembrance, creativity and imagination. A place to make stories.
NSW Public Works, Project Manager
Structure Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
Lucid Consulting Australia, Services Consultant
Tasman Engineering Consultants, Civil Consultant
Bylett + Associates, Quantity Surveyor
AI Consultancy, Access Consultant
Complete Certification, BCA Consultant
Sibling Architecture, Architect up to Development Application