Old Bega TAFE buildings demolished as work starts on new housing project

The demolition of the former Bega TAFE is underway as part of the State Government’s plan to create more housing, but the works have left community members concerned that the old education centre’s buildings will all end up as trash.

TAFE NSW vacated the Barrack Street site after its new Multi-Trades Hub facility opened closer to the centre of Bega in 2022.

Then in August 2023, the NSW Government announced plans for the Bega Housing Project, which involved developing the site into 97 new homes, 30 per cent of which will be for social and affordable housing.

Homes NSW posted a letter to local residents in May 2024, saying it was planning to demolish the existing TAFE buildings and structures, including footpaths and internal roads, as well as to install security fencing around the site.

The demolition works kicked off in August and have attracted significant commentary on social media, with many community members complaining that the works appear to be generating a large amount of waste that is not being recycled or repurposed.

Locals have also raised concerns about the amount of vegetation clearing.

When contacted for a response, a Homes NSW spokesperson said the works were being carried out by a licensed demolition contractor.

“Adaptive reuse of the old buildings for residential purposes was not possible in the circumstances, noting that extensive bulk earthworks and new infrastructure services are required right across the site,” the spokesperson said.

The Homes NSW spokesperson said trees in the vicinity of the buildings were not clear-felled, but were selectively removed as per the approval received from Bega Valley Shire Council.

“All trees on the site were surveyed by a registered surveyor. A qualified arborist then inspected all the trees over several days before the demolition works started,” they said.

“Field studies were carried out by a qualified ecological consultant and the assessment confirmed that no threatened flora and fauna species were identified, and no threatened ecological communities were observed within the subject land.

“Further tree clearing will be required to facilitate construction of the housing project including roads, water, sewer, stormwater, electricity, street lighting, and pedestrian paths by a civil contractor.”

Council’s acting director of community environment and planning, Anthony Payne, said council issued a tree removal permit and had arranged an inspection to ensure what had occurred was in line with the permit.

“Regulation and management of the works, including demolition and construction, is managed by Homes NSW … not council,” he said.

The Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said he was aware that people in the community were asking questions on social media about how the works were happening and if they were being carried out in a safe and planned manner.

“I have been in touch with Homes NSW who have given me assurance that all works to date are being carried out under the correct approvals,” he said.

“We do not have any formal complaints however we encourage anyone with concerns to contact the Bega Electorate Office.”

The $19 million Bega Housing Project plans to deliver about eight affordable homes, 65 private homes and 24 social homes, including a 20-unit complex for senior social housing residents, across eight hectares.

The demolition is expected to be finished by December. Construction for the site is expected to begin in 2025 and finish in late 2026, before house construction works can start.

When asked what the Bega Housing Project would do for the region, Dr Holland said he had consistently advocated for the use of surplus government land in the electorate to be converted to housing at each opportunity.

“This is just the start of several local opportunities in Bega and the Eurobodalla,” he said.

“I thank the Minister for Housing and Homelessness and the Premier for listening to my representations on behalf of our community.”

A TAFE NSW spokesperson did not directly respond when asked what sort of facilities or buildings TAFE had at its old Barrack Street site.

“Training was relocated to the new Multi-Trades Hub and the Connected Learning Centre, improving learners’ access to industry aligned facilities, including fit for purpose training spaces,” the TAFE spokesperson said.

To contact Dr Holland’s office, call 64922 056 or click here.