Bridges Health and Community Care is set to have a new home after Bundaberg Regional Council revitalised the historic Wintergarden Hub building.
Council approved a lease agreement in the latest Ordinary Meeting and includes a tenure of five years with two further option periods, equating to a total of 15 years.
Bridges is described as an established provider of community-based mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment services for youth, adults and families.
The meeting report also outlined Bridges’ plans to use the property for office space while delivering community programs, hosting events and hiring and sub-leasing spaces to community groups.
It comes after the completed redevelopment of the building, which was originally a theatre before it was utilised for a range of businesses including a video rental store and gym.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the collaboration with Bridges represented Council’s broader vision for the hub as a thriving centre of community activity and support.
“The transformation of the Wintergarden Hub speaks to our dedication to preserving Bundaberg’s heritage while adapting our facilities to benefit future generations,” she said.
“I am thrilled that this space will be utilised by a local organisation that does some wonderful work in the health and social support space.”
Redevelopment of Wintergarden
Situated on Maryborough Street, the Wintergarden Hub has recently undergone a $7.5 million refurbishment that integrates modern design with historic architecture.
The project began in 2022 with local architect Tomas O’Malley’s design combining the buildings unique, heritage characteristics with functional and modern spaces and Bundaberg builder Murchie Constructions bringing the vision to life.
The building, now complete, features a potential commercial kitchen with a street-facing servery, office areas, and a large presentation hall equipped with audiovisual technology.
The Wintergarden refurbishment project received $1.6 million in funding from the Australian Government under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
