A $19 million National Circularity Centre will be built in Bega with backing from the NSW government and Bega Group. The project, designed by Cox Architecture, is described as a first-of-its-kind facility to showcase circular economy solutions while drawing visitors for education, research and tourism. With the goal of making Bega the state’s leading circular economy by 2030, the centre has been pitched as both a regional icon and a model that can be replicated elsewhere.
Alongside its role as a visitor destination, the centre will provide space for start-ups and industry collaboration, building on local businesses already turning waste into new products. Fish and timber offcuts are being converted into fertiliser, while dairy waste streams are being used to generate energy and improve soils. The centre’s facilities will include immersive displays, digital-twin feeds, hospitality spaces and heritage exhibits.
Among the details confirmed in the announcement:
- The $19 million investment combines $14 million from the state and $5 million plus land from Bega Group, underscoring strong public–private support.
- Architects have planned the site as more than a visitor attraction, framing it as an incubator for circular industries that can expand across regional NSW.
- Practical demonstrations will be central to its appeal, with digital-twin feeds and hands-on exhibits designed to connect the public with complex systems.
- Local success stories in waste-to-value enterprises, from fertiliser production to renewable energy, will be showcased as examples of what circularity can deliver in practice.
