Centre for Circularity

Funded by the NSW Government and Bega Group, the National Centre for Circularity will be built by the Regional Circularity Co-operative (RCC) in Bega over the coming two years is. The centre will showcase the circular economy transition of the Bega Valley and act as a lighthouse for efforts across the country and internationally. The centre will include a:

• circular economy education centre, with extensive digital and physical elements demonstrating local, national and international circular economy initiatives and principles.
• café and restaurant focusing on local food, with capacity for functions
• tourist information and heritage centre, with gift shop showcasing local circular products and produce.
• location for circularity experts to come together to research and collaborate to drive the circular economy

Designed by Cox Architecture, the centre will be built on Living Building Challenge principles, the highest level of accreditation in the world. This will incorporate circular building principles, material and design with the focus of construction materials being rammed earth and timber and landscaping incorporating local plants including Indigenous bush foods and other culturally significant species.

Detailed design is almost complete and it is expected that earthworks will commence in late 2024 with the building expected to open in the first half of 2026.

National Circularity Centre

Outcomes

• Local Economy & Community – It will enable the local community and visitors to the region to experience firsthand the fruits of a Valley transforming into a circular economy.
• Education & Tourism – The Centre for Circularity will showcase the vision, pathway and technology used in the transformation. Additionally, it will highlight AgTech, business innovation and the capabilities of the Valley in a circular economy context. It will create a base for extension officers from Drought Resilience Hub and RDCs to provide access to knowledge from these connected networks.
• Regional Australia – The hub will inspire others to undertake and participate in the journey.

Benefits

Waste generation/ repurposing	Water	Soil	Biodivsersity	Energy/GHG emissions	Nutrients/ Animal Feed	Packaging & Logistics	Animal Care	Community/ Education/ innovation/ Aged Care	Rural economy/ Tourism