Revitalising Gundagai’s Old Mill for Sustainable Community Activation
Cootamundra–Gundagai Regional Council | Master Plan and Strategic Business Case | Gundagai NSW, Australia | 2024
Master Plan developed for a heritage-listed regional asset
Strategic Business Case prepared to support government funding
Extensive community consultation including surveys and in-region engagement
Commercial activation model designed to offset ongoing maintenance costs
The Challenge
Cootamundra–Gundagai Regional Council engaged Sparrowly Group, in partnership with S2 Architects, to develop a Master Plan and Business Case for the redevelopment of the historic Old Mill in Gundagai.
The Council sought to refurbish and activate the heritage building to make it publicly accessible while establishing a viable commercial venture to offset ongoing maintenance and operational costs.
The project required a careful balance between heritage preservation, community expectations and long-term financial sustainability.
Key challenges included
Activating a heritage-listed asset without compromising its character
Ensuring strong community support and alignment
Identifying commercially viable use options in a regional context
Developing a funding-ready business case supported by robust economic analysis
Our Approach
Sparrowly Group delivered a comprehensive, community-informed and economically rigorous methodology to guide decision-making and position the project for funding success.
Our methodology included
Detailed contextual and desktop analysis of the site and regional setting
Deep community consultation including interviews, surveys, drop-in sessions and community walks
Development and feasibility assessment of multiple activation options
Selection and refinement of a preferred immersive storytelling concept
Preparation of a Strategic Business Case modelling costs, benefits and investment rationale
Integration of master planning, commercial feasibility and funding strategy
This structured process ensured the final Master Plan and Business Case were both visionary and financially defensible.
Outcomes and Impact
Key Outcomes
Master Plan endorsed by Council and positively received by the community
Strategic Business Case positioned for grant funding submissions
Clear commercial activation pathway identified
Detailed evidence base to support government investment decisions
Economic and Social Impact
Strengthened investment readiness for regional NSW funding programs
Enhanced long-term sustainability of a heritage asset
Increased potential for tourism visitation and local economic stimulus
Preservation and revitalisation of an important cultural landmark
Improved community confidence in the future of the site
The project places Cootamundra–Gundagai Regional Council in a stronger position to attract public and private investment while protecting and activating a key heritage asset for future generations.
