“With its beautiful setting, cultural heritage, and magnificent exhibitions Ngununggula will be a drawcard delivering significant economic benefits to the Southern Highlands through employment and tourism, along with its contribution to the vibrancy of the region’s arts and cultural life.”
Don Harwin
NSW Minister for the Arts
Project Info
Client
National Trust NSW
Architect
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Value
$6 million
Completed
2021
Award-winning Regional Gallery – adaptive re-use
In 2022, the building won the Adaptive Reuse National Trust Heritage Award. The old Dairy Building and veterinary clinic at Retford Park have joined a new pavilion to form Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery.
Ngununggula is the local Gundunurra people’s word for ‘belonging’. The Gallery features four spaces designed to meet strict requirements for humidity control and security. It delivers community-focused experiences aimed at public programs and local schools.
Modern construction integrated seamlessly with heritage elements, with new walls held back to reveal the conserved original rendered brickwork hinting at the building’s past agricultural use.
Addressing the surrounding natural context required reclassification of zones and significant heritage landscaping. Trees were repurposed for multiple purposes, including bespoke furniture.
“The Southern Highlands already has such a vibrant creative community and through Ngununggula we aim to add to this and create a centre of arts and culture in the region available to everyone.”
Megan Monte
Director of Ngununggula,
Awards
2022, AIA NSW Architecture Awards; Commendation – Creative Adaption Heritage Architecture
2022, The National Trust Heritage Award Winner; Adaptive Re-use
