The Old Bega Hospital was completed in 1889, and is considered to be historically significant. It is listed on the Bega Valley Shire Council Local Environmental Plan as a heritage item of local significance. Currently the outbuildings and grounds are used by community groups for a range of purposes, including market days, pottery workshops, weaving studio, art classes and for meetings and functions. However, the main hospital is fenced off as it is in an unusable state.

The Old Hospital main building was extensively damaged by a fire in 2004. Demolition post-fire has also occurred, with only around 20% of the building currently roofed. The main building, however, has the potential to be rehabilitated and returned to beneficial use. The Department of Industry – Lands engaged Public Works Advisory (PWA) to carry out a detailed assessment of the Old Bega Hospital to assess the structural integrity of the building after fire and provide heritage advice and recommendations.In June 2017, an inspection of the building was conducted.

From the assessment and consideration of the building’s condition, heritage significance and present use, six options were developed as possible alternatives. In the short term, the priorities are to protect and safeguard the elements of the old hospital site that are least damaged and to prevent further deterioration of these elements.