Located on Arakwal Country, the Byron CoLab was a community-led initiative to repurpose the iconic Old Byron Hospital into a vibrant hub for local non-profit organizations. This transformation aimed to provide affordable commercial spaces while preserving the site’s historical significance. Blaze Projects were awarded the contract through a competitive tender process and worked closely with BKA Architecture and Byron Shire Council to navigate the complexities of renovating an aging building.
The project involved an extensive reconstruction, beginning with the demolition of the existing roof and internal structures while retaining the original floors, external walls, and cladding. Sustainability was a key focus throughout the demolition process. Our dedicated team meticulously separated materials for recycling, ensuring minimal waste.
As demolition progressed, discrepancies between the assumed and actual structural conditions emerged. To address this, Blaze Projects developed a 3D CAD model of the roof structure, enabling efficient design modifications by the structural engineer while maintaining truss production timelines. Additionally, precise services coordination was essential to ensure that mechanical units would integrate within the truss system.
Following completion of the new roof structure, Blaze Projects delivered a full internal fit-out, creating 12 individual tenancies, a communal foyer, shared amenities, meeting rooms, and a collaborative workspace. Finally, the carpark, decks, feature arbors, and native landscaping, were completed externally ensuring that the outdoor spaces harmonized with the newly refurbished building.
The Byron CoLab was successfully completed in July 2024, meeting critical NSW Government funding deadlines. The result is a dynamic community space that honours the site’s heritage while providing modern, functional facilities for local organizations.