THE dark, murky and musty basement at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is getting an upgrade, in part, due to a Living Heritage Program grant.<\/p>\n
Totalling $175,000, the money will go towards repairs of the brickwork, windows, walls and the addition of a permanent ventilation system, eventually allowing for the underground space to be opened to the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a first step to restoration so we can use the space, have it for displays and have it part of Ballarat\u2019s underground city,\u201d said Mike Stephens, Vice-President of the BMI board. \u201cWe need to get some remedial work and this grant will start to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Currently the space stores elements of the Institute\u2019s periodicals collection.<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s not anticipated the renovations will result in an environmentally controlled space where fragile artefacts can be stored long term, the improvements are better than the status quo.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe basement has been used for storage, it\u2019s damp, it\u2019s not been a suitable place for people,\u201d Mr Stephens said. \u201cIt\u2019s unlikely in the foreseeable future that the environment down there would be suitable for storing things that are valuable.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut where it is valuable is for the look of the place, the ambiance of it, the history, the graffiti on the ceiling. There\u2019s a whole range of things which make it an ideal place to visit and get a look at our past.\u201d<\/p>\n
In announcing the grant, Member for Wendouree Julianna Addison acknowledged the significance of the building and its collection to the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe basement is so important to Ballarat\u2019s history,\u201d she said. \u201cThis building was built in 1859 and it really tells us so much about the early days of the gold rush period and what Ballarat was like.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important that we celebrate our heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n
The BMI was one four Ballarat recipients of Living Heritage grants that also included the Ballarat Synagogue and Old Curiosity Shop.<\/p>\n
Statewide the program distributed $3 million in grants this round, with applications for the next round opening in early 2020.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE dark, murky and musty basement at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is getting an upgrade, in part, due to a Living Heritage Program grant. Totalling $175,000, the money will go towards repairs of the brickwork, windows, walls and the addition of a permanent ventilation system, eventually allowing for the underground space to be opened to […]<\/p>\n