Fears for future of historic hotel

MEMBERS of the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society have expressed concerns regarding the future of a local landmark which is going up for auction today (October 18).

The historic Border Inn building, which closed its doors in July, is set to be sold at 12 p.m. today. Group member Pat Burchat said they’re worried the venue’s past won’t be honoured.

“We’re concerned it won’t represent what its history should be, and that it won’t be preserved for future generations,” she said.

“The worry is that it’s on the Victorian Heritage Database but it’s not heritage listed.”

Located at 139 Main Street, the hotel was built in 1850 and served as a key stop off for people travelling towards from Melbourne and Ballarat via the Cobb and Co coach service during the gold rush.

Historical society president John Spain said the Border Inn is an integral part of Bacchus Marsh’s history.

“It’s a building of local significance but not state significance,” he said. “We think it’s the most important building in Bacchus Marsh.”

The venue was also the site of the first meeting of the Bacchus Marsh Road Board in 1856, as well as the inauguration of the Ivy Lodge of Tree Gardeners in 1851.

“The original building was the central part and single storey. Over the years, as the town boomed with the gold rush, two side bits were put on and the upper storey was added,” Spain said.

“It’s an integral part of our history.”

Cathy Pevitt, who grew up in the area, remembers the building as a lively fixture of the town.

“There would always be live bands on when we used to come in during the 1970s and 80s,” she said.

“It was always busy, being in the centre of town and there’d always be something on. We’re just hoping to make people aware of its heritage value to Bacchus Marsh.

“We understand it needs renovating a bit but we want whoever buys it to keep it to how it is now.”