Kiama’s historic Barroul House will soon have a new lease on life as a community meeting centre and café.
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The transformation will be undertaken as part of the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis said the restoration would bring ongoing jobs to the community.
“The Turnbull Government will contribute $1.4 million towards the restoration, expected to create 18 jobs during delivery and another 10 ongoing jobs,” she said.
“Once completed, Barroul House will include a fully functional café, meetings rooms, landscaping, sensory surrounds and an art gallery displaying works from local and indigenous artists.
“Last year the Minister and I delivered $2.3 million through a Federal Government Community Development Grant towards the Kiama Aged Care Centre of Excellence for meeting rooms, community hall, a kitchen and amenities.”
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project would deliver significant economic and social benefits to the community.
“Under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream, the Coalition Government is investing well over $200 million in 136 projects with a total project value of $459 million,” Dr McVeigh said.
“This means, in each successful community much anticipated local projects are receiving the funds needed to take a big idea and make it a reality.”
Dr McVeigh said the grants were part of the government’s plan to create more jobs and drive economic growth across Australia.
“A further $200 million was announced in the 2018 Budget for a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund - a clear indication of the Coalition Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future,” he said.
The second round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which includes the Community Investment stream and the Infrastructure Projects stream, is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs from over 240 projects.
The heritage-listed Barroul House is part of the Blue Haven Bonaira aged care centre, formerly known as Kiama Aged Care Centre of Excellence.
Richard Crookes Construction will build the 59 independent living units that comprise Blue Haven Bonaira, as well as Barroul Care Home which will accommodate 134 residents on the site of the old Kiama Hospital.
The complex is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
