A former ambulance station that was gutted by two separate fires 20 years ago could soon be transformed into a culture and arts centre in the central west New South Wales town of Forbes.
The Forbes Arts Society purchased the Forbes and District Ambulance Station at 110 Lachlan Street in December 2019 and have since been working with Orange-based firm Source Architects to develop the building into a “vibrant civic hub.”
The distinctive building was originally occupied by Bank of Australasia, before the ambulance service took over the site in 1944.
Two deliberately lit fires caused extensive damage to the building in 2001 and it has since been unoccupied.
Source Architects Sally Sutherland said the detailed design phase had been a balancing act between preserving the old and incorporating the new.
Forbes Cultural Centre by Source Architects.
“With much of the original fabric destroyed, we want to reinstate as much as possible of the exterior facade so that the building will recontribute back to the heritage streetscape,” she said. “The new second storey section of the building however will have a modern metal cladding that will look and act like a curtain veil.
“Inside, we’ve created a double height void in the foyer which exposes the original skeleton of the building. A beautiful, oversized staircase will lead visitors up into the second storey galleries. The new design also incorporates sustainable features, is fully accessible and includes a lush courtyard that is sure to become a local gathering point.”
Forbes Arts Society chair Karen Ritchie said the aim was to develop “a space that encourages locals and visitors to create, share and experience art and culture as well as meet, gather and connect with one another.”
The development application process for the building is nearing completion and construction tender submissions close in early July.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
