Heritage character better preserved under new guidelines

A 2020 council document that sets out instructions as to how heritage residential and commercial properties are managed and protected in the region will soon be superseded by two separate guides.

The City of Greater Bendigo council has endorsed the two new documents – the Residential Heritage Design Guidelines and the Commercial Heritage Design Guidelines – both of which were released for public engagement late last year and have since been updated after feedback from the community.

The guidelines are aimed at property owners and managers, designers and planners to assist with their decision-making when planning changes to heritage places.

Specifically, they act to explain heritage significance and identify local architectural styles and characteristics, as well as provide guidance on conserving and restoring heritage buildings and sympathetic modifications to suit contemporary needs.

They also encourage site-responsive design that respects heritage while maintaining a distinct contemporary identity, ensure the city continues to evolve while strengthening its unique heritage character, and support consistent and informed planning decisions to achieve good design outcomes that align with the heritage objectives of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.

The next step is for the city to request authorisation from the planning minister to prepare and exhibit Amendment C300gben and incorporate both new documents into the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the region enjoys a rich and diverse heritage that needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy.

“These new guidelines will be used to help people to make informed decisions when caring for, adapting, and developing heritage places,” Cr Prince said.

“The guidelines support change that is sensitive, practical and in keeping with our heritage character.”

Find out more on the CoGB website.