Lismore Municipal Building

As a significant heritage landmark, the Lismore Municipal Building was established in 1928. Designed in a free classical style, the local council historically occupied this interwar building. However, today, the ground floor accommodates commercial offices, while the first floor is home to the Lismore Historical Society and Museum.

During the 2022 Lismore floods, the building sustained substantial damage. Bennett Constructions engaged BKA Architecture to design and document the remediation of Lismore’s Municipal Building, with $6.1 million in funding from the New South Wales and Federal governments and Lismore City Council.

A contemporary interpretation was applied to preserve the heritage interiors while enhancing the building’s resilience. This involved exposing the original bricks and structural beams on the ground floor, while the remaining walls were cement-bagged. The ornate ceiling and skirtings in the corridor were also replaced and accentuated with heritage-appropriate lighting and uplighting for the archways.

The ground floor was revitalised with polished concrete for its resilience, while timber flooring was reinstated in the grand room, and the doors were replaced with aluminium glazing. The mechanical plant equipment was relocated from the ground floor to the roof, along with the electrical boards, which were moved to the first floor. On the first floor, the original details were preserved, including the walls, panelling, and flooring.

The project also presented an opportunity to improve and install new accessible toilets and kitchen amenities. The existing accessible glass lift was replaced in conjunction with the restoration of the original staircase. Heritage memorial plaques were repaired, and custom-designed signage and wayfinding elements were delivered as part of the works. Externally, the parapet corbelling was repaired, and the external metal staircase was replaced with a compliant egress stair.