No verdict on old court building

WEEKS after the opening of the new justice precinct on Hargreaves Street there has been no movement on what is to become of the old heritage-listed courthouse.

One of several buildings on Pall Mall, the old courthouse was completed in 1896 and has been in use ever since.

National Trust of Australia’s Bendigo Branch president Peter Cox said the future of the building has been a concern to the trust for years now.

“The Bendigo Branch of the National Trust has been raising the issue of the old courthouse for over the past five years or so,” he said.

“Once a heritage building of this type closes it quickly decays, the doors and windows are never opened, and it’s just left shut and that’s what we are concerned about.

“So, we raised the issue when we knew it was going to be closed. Unfortunately, all levels of the government indicated that it wasn’t a priority and in due course, something would be put in place.”

Mr Cox said he would like to see a public discussion regarding the future of the building.

“From the branch’s point of view, we are keen to see some consultation take place regarding the project,” he said.

“It is a building that the Victorian Government has seen fit to put on its register, so now legally they have a responsibility to restore and repurpose the building.

“What we have asked the Government to do is bring all the parties together.

“The legal fraternity would have something to contribute to that discussion, the Bendigo Trust, the Historical Society and the general community as well.”

Mr Cox said plans need to happen soon as the building is at risk of sitting unused like another Pall Mall structure.

“The danger is the same thing is going to happen that is happening to the Bendigo School of Mines,” he said. “It’s a magnificent building that is sitting there going to waste.”