A public survey on future uses of the old Bendigo law courts has been launched, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad said the future of Bendigo’s old law courts building was of considerable concern to many residents.
“The old Bendigo law courts are a beautiful example of Bendigo’s heritage architecture from the 1890s and sit in Pall Mall, which is full of significant buildings from that time,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Chelsea Pentland is undertaking an internship with the Parliament of Victoria and is considering the future of the old law courts.
“Chelsea has created a community survey so locals can have a say on this important issue,” Ms Broad said.
The building has sat idle for more than three years after the new Bendigo law courts opened in February 2023.
“Two years ago, the State Government promised there would be community consultation, but none has occurred,” Ms Broad said.
“Meanwhile the building is slowly falling into disrepair, much to the dismay of many local residents.”
Ms Broad has been a strong advocate for the law courts and has raised the issue in Parliament.
“I’ve asked the Attorney General to visit Bendigo, tour the historic building with the National Trust and commit to genuine community engagement,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad commended the work of local National Trust volunteers who have organised public tours of the site.
The building, designed by George Watson, was described in a 1996 conservation plan as “one of Australia’s finest 19th-century public buildings and one of the masterpieces of the Public Works Department of Victoria”. It is believed to be the most ornate and complete courthouse of its kind in Australia, according to heritage experts.
Complete the survey here: Community and stakeholder survey: Future uses of the old Bendigo Law Courts
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
