New look for Old Ambo

One of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic historical buildings has had a spruce up.

The Old Ambulance Station on Howard Street in Nambour recently underwent an upgrade to its façade, transforming the external appearance of the building and expanding opportunities for the community groups who use it.

Sunshine Coast Council, in coordination with the Sunshine Coast Arts Industry Precinct Inc (SCAIP), carried out  the upgrades with grant funding from the State Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) contributing to the project.

Improvements include new bifold glass doors opening onto a new patio area, a new awning for protection from the sun and weather – replacing old roller doors – as well as new steps and disabled compliance access.

Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson said the upgrades would provide numerous benefits to the many community groups who use the Old Ambulance Station.

“This iconic building is occupied by SCAIP, which is a non-profit community organisation that supports local creative community groups by providing a number of facilities including a theatre, recording studio, gallery space and artist space,” Cr Rogerson said.

“This is one of the many quirky, contemporary projects we’ve undertaken or are looking to undertake around Nambour.

“The Nambour Activation Plan, which was endorsed in 2015, has also seen council invest in or commit to new infrastructure at the Petrie Creek Parklands, Nambour Showgrounds and the Nambour Heritage Tramway Project.

“Council had also provided support for a range of exciting arts and cultural activities within Nambour, including the Drawn Together street artworks program, the Nambour Soundtrail, Nambour’s Vintage & Retro Trail and the NamJam busking and street performance competition.”

Chair of the SCAIP board Michael Doneman welcomed the Old Ambo upgrade.

“The new access opens the building onto the street and makes it more open to the community,” Mr Doneman said.

“It also helps us create a model for ongoing development of this funky, urban, creative social enterprise.”