Construction begins on statue replacement

THE creation of a like-for-like replacement of the Boer War memorial statue is underway and anticipated to be completed mid next year.

The statue was removed from Sturt Street in October after radiographic surveys and videoscope investigations revealed severe corrosion and it was decided the statue was beyond repair.

The statue was last removed for a full restoration in 1984, and remedial works were conducted in 2020.

The replacement is being created at Meridian Sculpture who will segment the work and create clay, wax and silicon moulds.

The sculpture will be cast in bronze, coloured and UV resistant coating will be used before it will be returned to Sturt Street.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said it was important to preserve the statue for future generations.

“The striking memorial has had pride of place in the heart of Sturt Street and is important to commemorate the war in a public art piece,” she said.

“We are proud to be working with Meridian Sculpture to deliver a like-for-like replacement of the statue.”

The project will cost $285,000 and $50,000 comes from the State Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour grant program.

“I’m proud to support projects that honour and commemorate our state’s veterans,” said Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison.