Future revitalisation of the old Byron Bay hospital site is a big step closer after a tender was awarded

A tender has been awarded for one of the organisations which had put forward its case to take on the management of the facility, expected to become a community hub.

The old Byron Bay Hospital site. Photo: Christian Morrow

The tender to manage to the old Byron Bay hospital site has been awarded.

Byron Shire Council voted in a confidential decision at Thursday’s meeting to award the tender for the Shirley Street property.

Social Futures and the Byron Community Association had both lodged proposals for the tender.

During its confidential session, councillors voted to award the tender to Social Future.

President of the Byron Community Association, Helen Hamilton, had addressed the council during public access and urged them to support her group’s proposal.

“We believe it is a strong local bid,” Ms Hamilton said.

“Our experience suggests you could expect an excellent result for the local community.

“We work to deliver the express needs of the community through social enterprise and we do this without relying on government funding.

Helen Hamilton, the Byron Shire's 2020 Citizen of the Year, urged the council to award the tender to Byron Community Association.

“The Byron Community Association proposes to honour the community's commitment by operating the site in their best and council’s best interest.

“We can assure you that we understand all the things council is asking for.”

Councillors made a decision between the two groups in confidential business.

Councillor Cate Coorey said during that time they had “arrived at a successful tender”.

“I’m hoping what transpires will be the best outcome for the site,” Ms Coorey said.

“I know many local people who really worked to make this site work will continue to be involved.”

Social Futures CEO Mr Tony Davies. His group was also vying for the old hospital site tender. Photo: Marc Stapelberg

After the decision between the two groups was made, councillors voted unanimously to allow the council to enter into a lease and management agreement with Social Futures.

The agreement is to include clause stipulating any net profits must be “reinvested into community and social services delivered within the Byron Shire Local Government area following reimbursement to council of establishment costs, loan and building sinking fund repayments”.

The council had voted to release the former hospital site’s management for tender in March.

Plans to turn the property into a community-focused hub have been afoot since before the council bought it from the state government for $1 in late 2018.