Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced $60,000 in funding on Monday morning, to breathe life into the iconic and historic headmaster’s residence building, located in the former TAFE precinct in the Bathurst Town Square.

The funding comes through round two of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The headmaster’s residence, which is now owned by Bathurst Regional Council, forms part of a community, cultural and commercial hub within the heart of the city’s CBD.

Built in 1866-77, the headmaster’s residence is one of the few remaindering examples of designer G.A. Mansfield’s work and a fine example of Victorian Rustic Gothic style. 

“It is central to the early European heritage story of Bathurst and important to both residents and visitors to the city,” Mr Toole said. 

“This restoration is part of a broader adaptive reuse of the site. It will bring residents and visitors into the historic town square precinct, building a strong sense of place, as well as pride in heritage and cultural identity and increase opportunities for social activities.”

Deputy premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the rol out of the second round projects takes Stronger Country Communities funding to $300 million.

“I congratulate Bathurst Regional Council for the role it’s playing in this initiative and I look forward to the local sports and community facility improvements that will make the region an even more attractive place to work and raise a family,” he said.

“The $300 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund that is employing local tradies, putting local suppliers to work and providing the right environment to operate regional businesses.”

This fund delivers crucial local infrastructure to improve the quality of life of people living in regional NSW.

Funding is provided to local projects such as parks, community halls, playgrounds and amenity blocks.