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.<\/p>\n
One of several buildings on Pall Mall, the old courthouse was completed in 1896 and has been in use ever since.<\/p>\n
National Trust of Australia\u2019s Bendigo Branch president Peter Cox said the future of the building has been a concern to the trust for years now.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Bendigo Branch of the National Trust has been raising the issue of the old courthouse for over the past five years or so,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce a heritage building of this type closes it quickly decays, the doors and windows are never opened, and it\u2019s just left shut and that\u2019s what we are concerned about.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, we raised the issue when we knew it was going to be closed. Unfortunately, all levels of the government indicated that it wasn\u2019t a priority and in due course, something would be put in place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Cox said he would like to see a public discussion regarding the future of the building.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the branch\u2019s point of view, we are keen to see some consultation take place regarding the project,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we have asked the Government to do is bring all the parties together.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe legal fraternity would have something to contribute to that discussion, the Bendigo Trust, the Historical Society and the general community as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Cox said plans need to happen soon as the building is at risk of sitting unused like another Pall Mall structure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe danger is the same thing is going to happen that is happening to the Bendigo School of Mines,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a magnificent building that is sitting there going to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s Bendigo Branch president […]<\/p>\n