Future of Bellingen Courthouse discussed at Council Meeting

Published on 20 October 2025

A way forward for the future of the Bellingen Courthouse was discussed at the October Ordinary Council Meeting, with Councillors resolving to work with the community to identify and secure philanthropic or alternative external funding sources to enable refurbishment and activation of the Courthouse for community use.

The Bellingen Courthouse is a heritage-listed civic building constructed in 1910, located prominently in the centre of Bellingen’s CBD. It has been vacant since 2018 following the transfer of court services to the Coffs Harbour Justice Precinct. Since closure, the building has significantly deteriorated due to termite damage, asbestos hazards, vandalism, and weathering, and has become a deteriorating presence in the town’s CBD.

Bellingen Shire Council General Manager, Mark Griffioen, acknowledges the strong community support for the restoration and activation of the Courthouse as a prominent project of local interest.

“However, Council does not have the financial capacity within its Long-Term Financial Plan to assume direct ownership and refurbishment responsibilities without significant external capital and operational funding,” said Mark Griffioen.

“The most recent estimate for building refurbishment is more than $8 million, and in addition, the ongoing annual maintenance costs are estimated to be around $800,000 a year. This would require either debt financing or the redirection of resources away from critical asset renewal such as roads, bridges, water and sewer, both of which are hard to justify to our ratepayers.”

Three options were considered by Councillors. The first is that Council assumes responsibility for the building from the NSW Government. The second option is that Council declines responsibility and the State sells the asset, and the third option is that Council pursues partnerships or philanthropy to restore and develop the building.

Bellingen Shire Council Cr. Mayor Steve Allan said that the third option, which Council agreed to pursue, aligns with Council’s role as advocate, avoids financial risk, and creates a pathway for community activation, subject to securing external investment.

“The Bellingen Courthouse is more than just an old building - it’s part of our story. The community has strongly indicated that they want the restoration of the courthouse building and its verandah to create a cultural and community hub,” said Mayor Allan.

“Our heart tells us we need to reactivate and restore the building. Our head tells us that we must be careful how we do this, as we must undertake the financial burden of this work responsibly. This is the framework within which we operate, and we must be responsible.”

“We do not want to trigger the state to divest this asset, and we need time to work with the community to explore options for renewing and reinvigorating this key feature of our Bellingen CBD, so I think this option provides a good way forward for Council and the community.”

Bellingen Shire Council remains committed to advocating and meeting with interested community groups to find avenues to activate this iconic site in the heart of the Bellingen CBD.