The Stables, a George Moore building circa 1910, sits in the car park on the eastern side of Church St, tucked within the historic Courthouse, Police Station and Post Office precinct.

Mixed Up Art has been awarded a state heritage grant of $32,600 under the ‘Public Activation’ category of Heritage Near Me funding for adaptive reuse of the building.

Mixed Up Art cofounder Julie Hutchinson and convener Maureen Eley-Round, who worked hard to secure the funding for the Stables project, said they were delighted by the success of the grant application.

Maureen said that to ensure that the repairs were historically correct, they had been working closely with Bellingen Shire Council and were currently lodging a Development Application for a formal change of use.

“Works will include new guttering, and drainage, glazing, repairs to the historic brickwork with traditional lime mortar, the lining of the ceiling and replacement of the later roller doors with sympathetic glazed doors,” Julie Hutchinson said.

Council has provided assistance to the project through its Heritage Advisory service with advice on conservation and appropriate materials.

Council’s Mayor Dominic King said, “The heritage character of Bellingen is very special and gives our community a strong identity and sense of place. This grant will enable this community project to get off the ground and celebrate the significance of this historic structure.”

When it opens later in 2018, the Stables will fill a gap in the Shire’s vibrant arts scene.

The space will operate as a gallery for emerging artists, youth, children and others who wish to show suitable art in an affordable small venue.

Additionally, the centre of the gallery will be a workshop for community groups including Mixed Up Art, for meetings, rehearsals, workshops and classes.

With its location just footsteps from the Church Street café district, the Stables is sure to be a point of interest for tourists and locals interested in history and art.