The site has supported the delivery of health services for nearly 100 years, including the long-term operation of the St John of God Hospital. Following the recent and significant redevelopment of Goulburn Base Hospital, the Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) has progressively relocated its services to the upgraded facility. This transition is now complete and SNSWLHD will permanently vacate the Bourke Street site in early 2026.

 The site is owned by the Trustees of the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, who have actively explored alternative uses for the property over the past five years, following notification that SNSWLHD intended to vacate. Although a broad expression of interest process was undertaken to identify potential health-related uses, none of the 23 health service providers approached were willing to operate health services from the site. As a result, over the past 18 months, the Trustees have been exploring non-health-related redevelopment options for the site.

The proposal involves the redevelopment of the site to establish a vibrant, mixed-use precinct that respects its heritage while meeting Goulburn’s contemporary needs. Key elements of the proposal include:

• Retention of Mandala House: Preserving the existing Mandala House and supporting continued service delivery by We Help Ourselves. The proposal will also enhance Mandala House’s street presence to improve the streetscape and celebrate its heritage significance.

• Adaptive reuse of Marian Wing: Repurposing the newer Marian Wing (part of the original hospital complex) into a motel, providing much-needed short-term accommodation in central Goulburn - particularly for those visiting the nearby Goulburn Base Hospital.

• Demolition of the former St John of God Hospital building: Removing the outdated hospital structure to enable the new site concept and facilitate high-quality redevelopment.

• Construction of new housing: Developing a mix of single and two-storey townhouses designed to contribute to housing diversity and respond to Goulburn’s growing demand for family homes and downsizing options.

• Improved amenity: Create connected, landscaped spaces throughout the site to foster a sense of place, community and wellbeing for residents and visitors alike.

We Help Ourselves will continue to operate from Mandala House, with no change to its current service delivery. In the future, the facilities will be managed directly by the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, rather than through Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD)

SNSWLHD is responsible for the relocation of all health services previously delivered from the site, including services such as the hydrotherapy pool, hospice beds, hospital care and programs such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

The site layout has been shaped by a genuine commitment to achieving positive social, heritage and planning outcomes, as well as by the decision to retain and repurpose key buildings. These existing structures have guided the placement of new buildings, open spaces and access points, ensuring the design responds sensitively to the site’s heritage, character and physical constraints. The result is a cohesive, well-connected precinct that balances respect for the site’s past with a forward-looking vision for its future. 

The design brief included clear ambitions for the project:

• Delivering high-quality, practical and enduring design outcomes that meet community expectations and support long-term sustainability.

• Using durable, low-maintenance materials and efficient layouts to ensure functionality and longevity.

• Creating a diverse and vibrant precinct that appeals to a broad range of residents and visitors.

• Designing buildings and streetscapes that are sympathetic to the local character and scale of Goulburn.

• Maximising solar access and natural light to living areas and open spaces.

• Providing safe and convenient vehicle, pedestrian and cycle movement, with appropriate parking and traffic management.

• Establishing green corridors and landscaped spaces that promote community interaction, wellbeing and a strong sense of place.

• Celebrating the site’s heritage through adaptive reuse and design responses that keep its history visible and valued.

The project team has consulted with GMCR heritage consultant during early development studies to understand key elements on the site. This is guiding the design process and will be formally documented in a Heritage Impact Assessment submitted with the development application.

A key focus is to preserve and reuse selected elements from the original hospital within the new development as a lasting acknowledgment of the site’s long history of community service. With input from the heritage consultant and community feedback, these may include features such as the Foundation Stone, original stained-glass windows and doors, or the reuse of bricks and materials in new buildings and landscaping where possible.

Interpretive signage and storytelling opportunities in publicly accessible areas are also being explored to share the site’s heritage and ensure its community significance continues to be recognised and celebrated.

 Elements from the existing hospital building will also be made available to building salvage operators for reuse.

Yes. Over the past five years, the Archdiocese has undertaken an extensive process of market investigation and expressions of interest to explore a range of potential future uses for the site, with a strong preference for continued health or aged care services.

While some initial interest was shown in the Marion Wing (the newer hospital building), further investigations confirmed it was not suitable for the proposed purposes.

A detailed feasibility study led by the Archdiocese, HTI Group and a professional design team also examined several other options, including a multi-storey commercial or apartment development but these were found to be unviable at this time.

Mandala House is a drug and alcohol-free residential facility in Goulburn that houses the Therapeutic Community (TC) program operated by We Help Ourselves (WHOS). It provides a safe environment for adults with a history of drug-related harm to receive treatment for their dependence and associated issues. On 18 August 2025, Mandala House celebrated four years of providing treatment to the local and regional communities, during which time it has built strong links with local services to deliver a collaborative approach to recovery. The program uses a holistic, evidence-based TC model to foster personal growth, support abstinence, and address the individual’s psychosocial needs, with harm minimisation and mental health initiatives integrated throughout.

WHOS provides a range of services, including individual and group counselling, family support, day programs, pre-employment and vocational pathways, specialist medical and mental health services and aftercare support. Engagement with the wider community is a key part of treatment, and residents regularly participate in local events and activities.

The proposed townhouses are designed to appeal to a broad section of the community, including young professionals, downsizers and growing families who are seeking high-quality, low maintenance homes within a well-connected and community focused precinct close to the Goulburn CBD.

A mix of single and double-storey three-bedroom townhouses is proposed, offering a range of layouts to suit different lifestyles. Each home is designed for open plan living, with an emphasis on natural light, privacy and strong connections to outdoor spaces. Practical inclusions such as ground floor powder rooms and double garages are also provided.

The townhouses are intended to be delivered to a high standard, using durable and timeless materials that complement the character of the local area. Interiors will feature refined finishes and a fresh, contemporary palette combining comfort, functionality and long-term quality to ensure lasting appeal and value.

The precinct’s design has been carefully shaped to respond sensitively to the surrounding residential character and built form, with a focus on complementing existing neighbourhood patterns and protecting the amenity of nearby residents.

Key design principles include:

• Avoiding new driveways and garages fronting Bourke Street.

• Providing appropriate setbacks from adjoining properties and streets.

• Locating two-storey homes to maintain building separation, ensuring privacy and minimising overshadowing.

• Designing building forms and rooflines that are sympathetic to Goulburn’s established residential character.

• Enhancing the residential character of Arnheim Street with residences that align with the existing scale of the streetscape and provide adequate parking

Impacts during construction will be carefully managed to minimise disruption to the surrounding community and environment. A detailed Construction Management Plan will guide all works and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. Key strategies include:

1. Site Management & Safety

• Secure fencing and clear signage to protect public safety.

• Controlled access points to limit unnecessary traffic and maintain security.

 2. Noise & Dust Control

• Scheduling higher-impact activities during approved hours.

• Strict adherence to permitted working times.

• Dust suppression measures such as water spraying and covering stockpiles.

 3. Traffic & Access

• A Construction Traffic Management Plan to minimise congestion and maintain safe access for residents.

• Coordination with local authorities to manage any temporary road closures or diversions.

 4. Environmental Protection

• Erosion and sediment controls to protect nearby waterways and green spaces.

• Waste management practices to reduce pollution and encourage recycling.

 5. Community Communication

• A dedicated contact point for enquiries or concerns during the construction phase, supported by clear and timely communication about upcoming activities.