17/02/2026
ANOTHER GONG FOR THE OBH
OLD BEGA HOSPITAL SCORES MAJOR HONOUR AT 2026 NSW REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Heritage Restoration Recognised for Design Excellence and Community Impact on Friday, 6 March 2026. The Old Bega Hospital Regional Community Cultural Centre was honoured with a Heritage Architecture Award at the 2026 New South Wales Regional Architecture Awards, Australian Institute of Architects, recognising the outstanding restoration of one of the region’s most significant historical landmarks.
The awards, administered by the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter), celebrate architectural excellence across regional New South Wales. The Old Bega Hospital project, led by Design 5 – Architects( https://design5.com.au/index.php/gallery/old-bega-hospital/) and Leser Build (https://leserbuild.com/portfolio/old-bega-valley-hospital/), was distinguished in the Heritage Architecture category, highlighting its exemplary balance of heritage conservation and contemporary rejuvenation.
Originally constructed in 1888 and later devastated by a major fire, the Old Bega Hospital has undergone a remarkable restoration driven by community determination, skilful design, and careful stewardship. The project honours the site’s historical significance while creating a vibrant cultural hub for the community. Previous accolades, including multiple heritage awards and community recognition, underscore the project’s long trajectory of public engagement and preservation.
Restoration that Resonates Beyond Bega Valley
The award recognises not only technical excellence in conservation but also the broader cultural contribution of the Old Bega Hospital to the region’s identity and vitality. By sensitively integrating historic fabric with adaptive reuse, the project has reactivated a treasured landmark as a centre for arts, community events, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“This recognition is a testament to what community, design excellence, and respect for place can achieve together,” said a representative of the Old Bega Hospital Regional Community Cultural Centre. “Our heritage is not just about keeping old buildings standing — it’s about ensuring they continue to have meaning, purpose, and life in the present day.”
Heritage and Tourism: Anchors for Regional Growth
The award comes at a time when regional heritage tourism is emerging as a key driver of visitor interest and economic opportunity across New South Wales. The Old Bega Hospital’s restoration has already contributed to renewed interest in the area’s history, drawing visitors keen to explore heritage architecture, community stories, and cultural programming.
The project aligns closely with contemporary approaches to heritage that emphasise living heritage — places where past, present, and future converge. Leveraging traditional craft, conservation best practice, and imaginative reuse, the hospital stands as a model for how historic places can inform regional identity and future regional development.
The Old Bega Hospital continues to welcome visitors, host cultural events, and support community-led activities. The award highlights its role not just as a restored landmark, but as a foundation for future cultural initiatives, including heritage skills programs, public engagement, and regional storytelling.
