NORPA has secured $944,724 in Australian government funding to progress The Joinery, taking the ambitious project a significant step closer to becoming a flood-resilient cultural, creative and community hub for Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers.
The funding has been awarded through the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, funded through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
The grant will support major feasibility, business, design and infrastructure planning and development work required to transform the historic Hampton & Larsson joinery factory in Lismore’s CBD into a flood-resilient performing arts, training and community hub, while considering The Joinery’s important role within the broader Lismore cultural precinct.
NORPA says the funding provides the strategic foundations to ensure The Joinery is investment-ready, building the case for future government investment, philanthropy and partnerships.
Ambitious
Janelle Saffin MP, State Member for Lismore and NSW Minister for Recovery, said she strongly advocated for the government to make this investment in Lismore’s future.
‘The Joinery is much more than a new home for NORPA; this ambitious adaptive project will lead to the establishment of a cultural precinct in the Central Business District with other leading regional arts facilities and organisations,’ Ms Saffin said.
‘Restoring a former industrial building into a fit-for-purpose flood-resilient cultural hub for the Northern Rivers is setting a benchmark for how the arts in regional areas can assist preparation and recovery from climate disasters.
‘The Joinery has the potential to become an important part of the cultural and economic renewal of our city. I continue to champion NORPA at the State level.’
Kevin Hogan MP, Federal member for Page, said the grant demonstrated a commitment to Lismore’s regeneration and growth.
‘Lismore has been through a lot over the past few years. Projects like this are about getting people back into town, supporting our local businesses and continuing to rebuild a CBD that people want to spend time in.’
Bigger vision
NORPA Chair Damian Kassabgi said the funding was particularly significant because it takes The Joinery beyond being a building project and positions it as part of a much bigger vision for Lismore and the Northern Rivers.
‘This funding allows us to do the important strategic work that will look at the enormous potential of The Joinery’s location and the precinct around it,’ Mr Kassabgi said.
‘We continue to build a compelling case for future investment and partnerships not just for The Joinery, but for what this precinct can contribute to the future of Lismore.’
NORPA Executive Director Libby Lincoln said the funding was a strong endorsement of the potential of The Joinery and the opportunity it represents for the arts and Lismore.
‘Beyond the building, we are already seeing what The Joinery can be for the life of the city – attracting people to Lismore, creating opportunities for artists and the community, supporting local businesses and contributing to a more vibrant, connected and resilient future,’ she said.
The Joinery is currently being developed by NORPA as a flood-resilient creative hub, training centre and incubator for artists and ideas, with flexible spaces designed to support performing arts, creative development, community participation and new partnerships.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
