Construction Starts on North Richmond Emergency Evacuation Centre

Construction has officially commenced on the new North Richmond Emergency Evacuation Centre following a sod-turning event involving federal, state, and local government representatives on Tuesday. The multi-purpose facility, designed to serve communities west of the Hawkesbury River, is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027.

The project is backed by a $2.5 million investment from the Australian Government under the Protecting Our Communities (Disaster Resilience) Program, which is administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. The funding enables Hawkesbury City Council to construct the purpose-built centre to support local residents during natural disasters and severe weather events.

According to officials, the facility features a dual-purpose design. During emergencies, it will act as a dedicated evacuation and support site. Outside of emergency periods, it will function as the North Richmond Youth Centre and offer flexible community space for local programs and activities.

The evacuation centre represents the first stage of the broader North Richmond Community Hub development. Future stages of the precinct plan to introduce an expanded community centre with multi-purpose halls, commercial kitchen facilities, creative spaces, upgraded landscaping, additional parking, and the redevelopment of the Elizabeth Street Playground.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain stated that the facility aims to improve the region's resilience to severe weather, while Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman highlighted that recent floods and fires demonstrated the necessity of adaptable recovery infrastructure. NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Hawkesbury City Council Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett noted that the centre will address critical safety needs for residents west of the river while functioning as a year-round community hub.

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