Northern Rivers Conservatorium restored and revitalised
The historic Northern Rivers Conservatorium has officially commenced a new chapter with a triumphant community event, marking the completion of a multi-stage flood restoration and upgrade project.
On Saturday 14 March, the community and musicians came together for a special ‘ReStored at the Con’ Open Day to celebrate the resilience and hard work that has breathed new life into the much-loved historic building following the 2022 natural disaster, when over four metres of flood water inundated teaching rooms, studios, performance spaces and essential infrastructure.
Restored at the Con Open Day - Northern Rivers Conservatorium
The restoration and upgrade project – the largest in the organisation's history – has future-proofed the historic cultural landmark for music making and education. The project has delivered flood-resilient spaces, a new roof, solar panels, a goods lift, repairs and refurbishment to the Concert Room, upgraded fire system, and refurbished grounds.
Northern Rivers Conservatorium
Pictured: Above - The Northern Rivers Conservatorium completed; Below - Tuition at NRC continued while works progressed.
The Northern Rivers Conservatorium project - courtesy NRC
The restoration works blended heritage sensitivity with a strong focus on long-term resilience and accessibility, all undertaken while the Conservatorium continued to operate. Flood-resilient materials integrated throughout have secured the building’s future to serve the community for generations to come.
The extensive project was made possible through almost $5 million in funding through Create NSW’s Creative Capital Fund and the Create NSW Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Packages (Arts and Cultural Assets Program and the Priority Needs Program), funded under the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements by Federal and NSW Governments.
Executive Director Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Anita Bellman said:
“We are deeply grateful to Create NSW for their support in restoring the Northern Rivers Conservatorium following the devastating 2022 flood. These works have not only helped secure the future of this important heritage building, but also strengthened the Conservatorium’s role as a cultural hub for the Northern Rivers.”
Northern Rivers Conservatorium project - Roof and Bell Tower - courtesy NRC