The Minns Labor Government has completed major restoration work at the Coast Centre for Seniors in Little Bay, preserving one of 13 State-heritage listed buildings and assets in the Prince Henry Precinct at Little Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, funded the $784,560 project as part of ongoing maintenance and restoration work at the historic precinct.
The Coast Centre, originally built in 1897 as the Nurses' Home for the Coast Hospital, has served the community since 1994 as a space where residents over 55 can enjoy activities that deepen community bonds, alleviate loneliness, and support mental health.
The Prince Henry site has a rich history. established in 1881 as NSW's first hospital for infectious diseases. The hospital was the first government-controlled public hospital in NSW's post-convict era.
Following recommendations of an independent engineering assessment and a heritage consultant, Crown Lands engaged NSW Public Works to undertake important repair work on the Coast Centre for Seniors that was sympathetic to the building's heritage character.
Contractor A J Bristow & Sons Pty Ltd was commissioned to carry out the work, which included:
- Replacement of the verandah floor surface.
- Concrete repairs to the underside of the slab and treatment of corrosion.
- New joints and repairs to existing joints in brickwork and render.
- Repointing of brickwork and replacement of individual heritage bricks where required.
- Repair of render, concrete, and mortar on external walls, columns, and balustrades.
- Cleaning and painting of verandas including render, columns, balustrades, stair handrails, and ceilings.
- Minor drainage improvements to prevent future structural water damage.
This project has improved accessibility and ensured the facility remains a welcoming hub for older residents.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"Crown land plays a critical role in preserving areas and buildings of cultural and heritage significance across the state, including the Coast Centre for Seniors and Prince Henry Precinct.
"Multipurpose facilities such as these play a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing people together to promote well-being and bolster spirits through a range of events."
Member for Maroubra Michael Daley said:
"The Coast Centre for Seniors is a wonderful facility at the heart of Little Bay that offers a range of activities to ensure our seniors keep active, healthy and happy.
"This significant investment from the NSW Government will ensure this beautiful, historic building maintains its heritage value and remains structurally sound and well used by community members for many years to come."
General Manager Little Bay Coast Centre for Seniors Linda Mearing said:
"It is a very great privilege for our members to be able to access such a distinguished heritage building every day. We don't take it for granted, and we always seek to educate the public about the facility's deep ties to the community and its historical importance.
"We are delighted Crown Lands has funded this important maintenance work to ensure the building's beautiful heritage features can be preserved for everybody and so we can continue to offer our services to our local community."
