Work on the Alstonville Cultural Centre upgrade has been officially marked with a sod-turning ceremony onsite.

Ballina Shire councillors, council staff and representatives from Hutchinson Builders joined project partners, Richmond Tweed Regional Library representatives and community stakeholders at the ceremony on Tuesday.

The event marked the ceremonial start of construction on the long-awaited redevelopment, which has already seen early works underway.

The project will deliver a larger library, upgraded community spaces, better accessibility and modern amenities for the growing plateau community.

It will also include energy-efficiency and sustainability improvements.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the redevelopment was an important investment in community infrastructure.

“It’s fantastic to see this important community project moving ahead and to officially celebrate the next stage of works,” Cr 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.”

Architect impressions of the completed project.  Main image: Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and councillors Eva Ramsey and Therese Crollick get busy with the shovels.

Guests attending the sod-turning, (front row L to R) Kerry Condon – BSC Manager Facilities and Services; Paul Hickey – BSC General Manager; Mayor Sharon Cadwallader; Cr Eva Ramsey; Joanne Chaffey – Alstonville Branch Supervisor Richmond Tweed Regional Library,  Cr Therese Crollick and Tracy Lister BSC Manager Communications and Customer Service.  Back row: Hutchinson Builders contractors team Cavill Lollback, Josh Fergusson, Aleks Tosic, Richard Mason,  Simon Barr, Murray Emmerson and Louie Neskovski.

She said the redevelopment represented a significant investment in the future of plateau communities.

Council’s Facilities Manager Kerry Condon said Hutchinson Builders had moved into the next phase of demolition and preparation works.

“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.

He said parts of the existing structure would be removed, but the building’s steel framework would remain and be incorporated into the upgraded facility.

“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,” Mr Condon said.

Library services will continue operating from Wollongbar Community Hall during construction.

The upgraded facility is expected to be completed by mid-2027, weather and site conditions permitting.