ICONIC TRANSFORMATION… View of the new Forbes Cultural Centre and Art Gallery in the making from the rear courtyard. The development is part of the $7.2 million Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project, funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program. For more information visit www.forbesartssociet.com.
The former Forbes Ambulance Station is undergoing a transformation and the company responsible for the work considers the Forbes Cultural and Art Centre project “the perfect challenge”.
“This project offers us a blend of old and new. An opportunity to restore a building with a lot of history, that has substantial damage, was too good to turn down,” said RWC Construction Manager Christian Gladdish.
“As a regional company, a project like this doesn’t come around too often. RWC are excited to give this building everything it needs for it to be around for the next 100 years.”
The Bathurst-based construction company has experience in working on heritage projects and where possible back that up with trades that understand the nature of the work.
With the preliminary works now complete, the next phase of the build is to install the new framing, structural walls and floors in line with the new centre’s dynamic layout.
A key milestone of the build will be the delivery and installation of the feature spiral staircase which will be craned into the foyer via an opening in the roof.
“This is an exciting time, not only for the Forbes Arts Society but the whole community, to witness one of the town’s most iconic buildings being transformed,” said Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick.
“What has been an eyesore for over two decades, will soon become a vibrant and welcoming space for locals and visitors to gather, connect and create.”