City seeks feedback on heritage building rules

RESIDENTS have been invited to provide input regarding two sets of guidelines that outline how heritage buildings in Greater Bendigo can be cared for, adapted or developed.

The Draft Residential Heritage Design Guidelines is an updated version of the 2020 Heritage Design Guidelines, revised and renamed to better reflect its focus on residential buildings.

These apply to homes within the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme that are subject to a Heritage Overlay, including miners’ cottages, Victorian, Federation, interwar and post-war heritage houses.

They offer practical advice to help property owners preserve the unique character of their homes while accommodating modern needs such as renovations, extensions and new development.

The guidelines also provide design advice for new homes in a Heritage Overlay area.

Meanwhile, the Draft Commercial Heritage Design Guidelines are a new resource developed to address the current gap in commercial guidance for heritage shops, offices and other commercial buildings, covering verandas, shopfronts, signage and more.

The City’s manager strategic planning Anthony Petherbridge said the guidelines encourage well-designed changes that respect heritage values while supporting contemporary needs.

“The draft guidelines have been developed to help with making decisions about caring for, adapting and developing heritage places,” he said.

“They don’t stop change, they guide it, so heritage places can be adapted, maintained and enjoyed whilst keeping the rich heritage character that makes Greater Bendigo unique.”

Further information can be obtained at an upcoming drop-in session on Thursday 20 November from 1pm to 6pm at Bendigo GovHub – Galkangu in Lyttleton Terrace.

For more information on the Guidelines, to make a booking for the information session or complete a short survey, visit Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo.