Buninyong history saved, one brick at a time

THE heritage restoration of Buninyong Community House’s historic façade was celebrated by the Ballarat Branch of National Trust Victoria last week.

The steering committee, architect and construction team behind the soon-to-be opened centre were awarded for their ‘outstanding community contribution to heritage,’ having hand-removed the building’s fragile early-20th century front, before adding contemporary mortar and rebuilding it exactly as it was.

Buninyong and District Community Bank chair Ian Corcoran received the gong during a ceremony at The Canberra Hotel.

“We went to the effort to spend an additional $20,000 on the build of the House to pull the wall down brick-by-brick so that it actually reflects the original integrity of the place, retains its character and real cottage feel,” he said.

“National Trust Victoria’s awards night is an annual event to recognise work people have done around the Ballarat district, residentially or commercially, to protect heritage, so we’re really proud that our efforts have been rewarded.”

The Buninyong and District Community Bank purchased the property at 407 Warrenheip Street in recent years, with the goal of rejuvenating the space to create free-for-use, bookable meeting areas for local groups.

Heritage architect Wendy Jacobs, builder Chris Williams, the Bank board and project steering committee worked closely with heritage advisors from the City of Ballarat to ensure the façade’s preservation was compliant.

During deconstruction, each brick was carefully noted, numbered, and laid at the front of the House to ensure they would be returned to their original spot, ready to be part of the village streetscape for another 100 years.