The transformation of an iconic Bundaberg building has earned national recognition, with local architect Tomas O’Malley and his team celebrated for their work on Bundaberg Regional Council’s Wintergarden Hub redevelopment.
Originally opened in 1929 as a theatre, the historic building has served various roles over the decades.
Most recently, Bundaberg Regional Council commissioned Tomas and his team to reimagine the nearly 100-year-old structure as a dynamic, multipurpose community space.
Completed last year and now leased by Bridges Health and Community Care, the revitalised Wintergarden has been named Regional Project of the Year at the recent Central Queensland Regional Architecture Awards.
In addition, the project received a commendation in the Public Architecture category, further highlighting its architectural and cultural significance.
Tomas said blending modern functionality with the building’s historic character was a central focus of the project.
“We wanted to retain as much of the original building as possible while respecting the original philosophy of the Wintergarden Theatre as being designed for the local climate,” Tomas said.
His solution was to create a “building within a building” approach, which allowed the team to preserve original decorative elements while meeting modern energy and usage standards.
“This also allowed the perimeter circulation space to remain naturally ventilated, with a well-insulated and sealed inner volume that reduces operating costs and energy usage,” Tomas said.
“The approach was so fundamental to the project that seeing it all come together as intended was hugely satisfying.”
Design tells the story of Wintergarden history
Tomas said the restoration honoured the building’s diverse history and the memories it held for locals – from its early days as a community theatre to later chapters as a gym and video rental store.
“We wanted to play up theatrical motifs like the ‘red carpet’ and the ‘curtain’ but also utilise more industrial materials that reflected some of the more prosaic later uses,” he said.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn praised the work of Tomas and his team which perfectly achieved Council’s vision to create a modern space that respected the heritage of the building.
“The work on the Wintergarden Hub is not only architecturally outstanding – it also honours the rich history of the building and brings new life and opportunity to our community,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to see this project recognised nationally and even more proud that this kind of talent is being nurtured right here in Bundaberg.”
