About
THE SITE
14 McKean St is the site of the original Bairnsdale Hospital. Designed by Harry Gibbs in 1885, who also designed other buildings in Bairnsdale, it has seen many additions and changes in use over the last 15 years and remains the standout building on the site. It is currently occupied by the Wild Cherry Steiner School.
The whole site was purchased from the Council in 1998 with a view to creating an International School, but that has not eventuated.
There are many other buildings on site, which are currently home to community groups such as the Organic Agriculture Association, The Bairnsdale Woodworking Association, East Gippsland Family History and others.
There are many lovely gardens, large trees, and open areas. Some buildings are in a state of disrepair, and will need attention.
All in all, the possibilities are huge!
WHO ARE WE?
BCV Inc. is a voluntary group which has started the process of renewing an important site in the heart of West Bairnsdale.
Our Guiding Principles
The site would be designed for:
- Sustainability - Accessibility
- Sustainability
- Accessibility
- Respect to Heritage and Culture
WHAT IS THE PLAN?
We have held multiple community meetings to ascertain what the priorities are. The key components we came up with are:
- A community centre - multi-use with a focus on health and education
- Spaces for Community Groups/organisations
- Arts and Culture
- Various styles of Affodable Housing to buy or rent
- Community Gardens for gathering, growing and sharing produce
- Space for businesses e.g. a cafe and co-working space, markets and start-ups
- Childcare facilities
- Space to walk in gardens and for parking
How will we get there?
At this stage, we are looking for board members to guide the project.
Funding will likely come from a range of areas including grants, philanthropy, donations, crowd-funding, bequests and activities on-site with future earnings to be reinvested into the site.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
We need help to shape the vision and continue the project.
If you would like to contribute to making this inpiring project become reality, please send us your espression of interest to our email address below and tell us a little about how you can assist. Do you have any specific skills such as marketing, building, gardening?
Or perhaps you just want to stay in the loop with our emails and events by asking to join our mailing list
Or perhaps you just want to stay in the loop with our emails and events by asking to join our mailing list