Council Plans New Purpose For Town’s Most Significant Heritage Building
One of Burra’s most significant heritage buildings is set to begin a new chapter, with the Regional Council of Goyder purchasing the town’s former National Australia Bank building.
The landmark property, built in 1862 and recognised as Burra’s first bank, has been sold by the National Trust of South Australia to the council, ensuring it remains in community ownership.
Mayor Bill Gebhardt said the acquisition was about protecting an important piece of Burra’s history while creating new opportunities for locals and visitors.
“This is a building of enormous historical and social significance for Burra, and it is important that it remains in community ownership,” Mayor Gebhardt said.
“Council has a long-term vision for the town, and securing this building allows us to protect its heritage while giving it a new, meaningful purpose.”
The stone building opened during the height of Burra’s mining boom and served as a bank for an extraordinary 156 years before closing in 2018.
Now, council believes it could play a key role in the town’s future.
The purchase comes as the Burra and Goyder Visitor Information Centre looks for a new home, with its current premises in Market Square no longer meeting the needs of the more than 20,000 visitors who pass through each year.
“The former bank provides a much more suitable location for a visitor information centre, particularly as Burra prepares for increased interest linked to the Australia Cornish Mining Sites: Burra and Moonta World Heritage bid,” Mayor Gebhardt said.
“It will be the first stop for many visitors, helping them understand Burra’s heritage and key attractions.”
Council also sees the building becoming a valuable community space, with plans for areas that could host meetings, workshops, exhibitions and local activities.
“We see this as a place that works for both locals and visitors. It will be a building that will be active, welcoming and part of everyday life in Burra.”, Mayor Gebhardt said.
The building was gifted to the community under the care of the National Trust of South Australia following the bank’s closure.
National Trust of South Australia Chief Executive Officer Nicolette Di Lernia said the organisation was pleased to see the building remain in community use.
”The National Trust are delighted that the building will remain in community use. It is a gracious and well-located property that will provide excellent facilities for visitors and the local community. Active use of heritage buildings is a key objective of the National Trust and we see this outcome as a win for the building and the people of Burra.’, National Trust CEO Nicolette Di Lernia said.
Council will now begin detailed planning for the building’s future use, ensuring any upgrades respect its heritage significance while supporting both community and tourism needs.
A Building With A Long History
The former NAB building was established in 1859, with the current stone structure completed in 1862 and designed by prominent Adelaide architect Edmund Wright.
At the time, it was considered one of Burra’s most impressive buildings, combining banking chambers with the bank manager’s residence.
It also marked an important step in the town’s development, helping move financial transactions beyond the money order system that had previously been relied upon across the district.
More than 160 years later, the building remains one of Burra’s most recognisable heritage landmarks and looks set to remain part of the town’s story for many years to come.
Start planning a trip to Burra and explore the town’s heritage attractions at Visit Burra.
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