Urunga CBD Upgrade
- Project typeCBD Upgrade
- Project value$6.5M
- Project scheduleDesign
- Contractor nameTBA
About the project
The Urunga CBD Upgrade Project will enable transformative upgrades to Urunga’s central business district, enhancing its appeal for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The upgrade aims to enhance the well-being of the local community, attract more visitors, and support local businesses. The project also includes improving accessibility for individuals with mobility issues and wheelchair users, aligning with inclusivity goals. The project has received $6.5M of funding and is scheduled for delivery across the 2025/26 and 2026/2027 financial years.
Funding
The project has received $1.1M from the NSW Governments Stronger Country Community Fund as well as $5.26 million in funding from the Federal Government's Growing Regions Program, Bellingen Shire Council is also contributing with $300,000 in a co-contribution.
Timeframe
Council are in the design phase for this project and it is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Community Engagement
Past Community Engagement:
The Urunga CBD Master Plan, adopted in May 2024, is the result of extensive engagement with the Urunga community. From workshops and surveys to direct consultation with key groups, the plan reflects a shared vision for the future of the town centre, a place that balances charm, functionality, and resilience. More detail on the surveys, workshops and stakeholder workshops that informed the direction for the Urunga CBD plan can be found on the Plans & Programs.
Current Community Engagement:
The Urunga CBD Redevelopment is moving into the detailed design phase, supported by the $6.5 million grant funding recieved for this project. While the Master Plan outlines a long-term vision for the town centre, this stage will focus on delivering priority projects within the available budget. To help refine and prioritise the design process, Council has established a Community Reference Group (CRG). Members were selected through an Expression of Interest application process in July 2025 and the group was formed based on their experience, ability to represent key community groups, commitment to act as community voices, and alignment with Council’s values.
The CRG members include:
- Councillor Representatives: Cr. Jo Brotherton and Cr. Andrew O’Keeffe
- Business Representatives: Jennifer Sewell and Gavin Hickey
- Indigenous Community Representatives: Dean Thomas Kelly and Francis Witt
- Community Representatives: Heather Bernstein and Shane Fernie
There will also be a Crown Lands Representative to chair on the CRG, which is still to be announced.
To keep the wider community informed and involved, Council has created a Community Communication & Engagement Plan(PDF, 180KB) that outlines when and how you can provide feedback during the design phase. By joining the Urunga CBD community distribution list, you’ll receive regular email updates on the project's progress, Council decisions, and the opportunities to have your say through two structured feedback rounds, facilitated by Council.
Sign up to receive email updates on the project here
Community Reference Group Workshops
Workshop One
At the first workshop for the CRG, the group looked at an overview of the project, the methods of community feedback (two structured feedback rounds), and discussed the four priority areas identified within the Urunga CBD Master Plan.
View the Presentation for Workshop One here
Workshop Two
The second CRG workshop focused on reviewing key elements submitted in response to the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the design phase of the Urunga CBD Upgrade. Feedback from the CRG was collated alongside that of Council staff to refine the scope provided back to the consultant for the Request for Quote stage of the design engagement.
The CRG has assisted in progressing the project through the expression of interest stage. From here Council staff will continue the evaluation of consultants, ultimately ending up with one to progress the design phase of the project. Further updates will be provided as this process continues.
Next Steps
Late 2025
- Design engagement awarded and early concept development undertaken.
March/April 2026
- First formal deliverable from the design consultant received – 50% designs (concept).
- Community consultation of the received designs to be undertaken (Structured Feedback Round 1). Feedback to be open for two weeks for the wider community to give input/comment on design elements.
- Workshop Three with the Community Reference Group to review and discuss community feedback