‘Ambitious project’: Norpa eyes off new Lismore CBD site for permanent home base

Powerhouse performing arts organisation Norpa has revealed an exciting and ambitious project to establish a permanent new home in Lismore. Here is what’s happening.

A powerhouse performing arts company determined to stay in the Northern Rivers after being displaced from the 2022 flood disaster is eyeing off a permanent new home in the region.

NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) have plans, with the aid of award-winning Sydney based architects CHROFI, for the historic Hampton & Larsson timber factory in the centre of Lismore.

Executive director Libby Lincoln said the site – referred to as the Joinery – placed Norpa in the heart of the town where they could directly contribute to the city’s energy and economy.

“NORPA is embedded in the Lismore community, the town is in our DNA and we’re committed for the future,” Ms Lincoln said.

The new home will be a “creative catalyst” allowing the region’s many artists to celebrate the area’s unique identity and collective healing journey.

“It’s a big ambitious project and that’s right in NORPA’s wheelhouse,” Ms Lincoln said.

Current exterior of the proposed new home for NORPA, The Joinery. Picture: Kurt Petersen

The permanent base will be a welcome relief for Norpa, which has been adrift since floods destroyed its previous home base at Lismore City Hall (which is still being refurbished).

“These unprecedented floods didn’t just destroy buildings, they threatened to wash away stories, shared experiences and the region’s very identity,” Ms Lincoln said.

Inside NORPA’s vision for a new home, The Joinery. Executive Director Libby Lincoln, left, Artistic Director Julian Louis, and director of CHROFI John Choi. Picture: Kurt Petersen

The new site on Hampton St, Lismore aims to create a new cultural hub for the performing arts.

And transforming the 3,000 sqm Lismore timber factory into a flood-resilient, world-class arts incubator, would demonstrate how the arts can drive community renewal in the face of natural disasters.

The design includes the use of robust and hard-wearing materials that can withstand inundation, elements to allow the free passage of floodwaters and debris to reduce damage as well as maximising the building’s capacity to dry out quickly.

“ … designing spaces that not only provide shelter during flood events but also invite and engage the Lismore arts community,” Director CHROFI John Choi said.

“At the heart of this vision is the building itself, rich in character and history. Its bones and fabric hold a beauty that makes it an inspiring backdrop for creative expression.”

Once completed, the building’s design offers professional space for artists to rehearse and create work for regional and national presentation.

Julian Louis, left, Luke Sullivan, Libby Lincoln, Jill Eddington, John Choi, and Kate Stroud. Picture: Kurt Petersen

Large versatile contemporary spaces support a range of activities, from live performances to workshops and programs that reflect the Northern Rivers’ unique stories and creative vibrancy.

The Joinery can accommodate multiple resident companies and also attract national and international visiting artists.

An artist’s impression of the Joinery, NORPA's proposed new home. Picture: CHROFI architects.

Mr Louis said the project was “more than a building” – it’s “a commitment” that will fuel new opportunities and forge new partnerships moving forward.

“Our long-term vision involves adapting it into a contemporary cultural facility that is nationally recognised and reflects the bold creativity of our region,” Mr Louis said.

NORPA is currently seeking to raise $600,000 to purchase the Hampton & Larsson site with every dollar raised contributing to transforming the historic site into a beacon of creative innovation and recovery.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]