Redevelopment a positive example for heritage
A redevelopment in Peel St South is proving that repairs to even the most dilapidated of heritage buildings need not be costly and are easily achievable with dedication and the right help and advice.
Pondiboy Pty Ltd, a local Ballarat property developer, is restoring an existing row of heritage houses on the high profile site, with the balance to be used for infill housing.
Company spokesperson, Cybele LeSouef, said the works undertaken to date had been focused on the outside of the houses which had produced some unexpected results.
“We’ve found that fixing up the outside of the properties first and hence enhancing their appearance has deterred vandals and squatters from further damaging them”.
“These places have been vacant for years and have become a point of contention for many of the residents in the area due to their dilapidated state, which attracted vandalism and degraded the overall ‘feel’ of the area.”
“I think what we’re doing here is really positive and I hope that the residents in the area are going to be happy with the results. To date, we have had a number of residents approach us to tell us their memories of the heritage places on the site, how happy they are with the restoration works that we are undertaking and how amazed they are that these dilapidated buildings can be brought back to life”.
City of Ballarat Councillor Samantha McIntosh said Council’s heritage team and Statutory Planning unit had been assisting Pondiboy Pty Ltd with the project, which is in line with the Council’s ‘Preserving our Heritage’ strategy, and are excited about the outcome.
“We’re really happy with what the company is doing and the fine example it sets. It goes to show that demolition is not the only option when properties get into a state of disrepair and that repairs can be done easily without major cost”.
“The redevelopment of this high profile Peel Street South site is a major win for Ballarat from a heritage, environmental, planning, economic development and social perspective. For example, in addition to heritage benefits the project will also include a community based ‘green car’ that residents can hire for short periods (from two hours to two days), significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the development. It is believed this initiative is the first of its kind in Ballarat”.
Despite the appearance of the properties, the buildings have required minimal work to restore. Works have included replacing some deteriorated ends of weatherboards, painting, securing and painting roofing, reglazing windows where required and restumping to level the buildings.
“Replacing as little as possible of the original materials not only keeps the project cost lower, but ensures that the end product is of a high quality because most of the higher quality original building fabric is retained. It really is quite incredible just how well some of the elements of these properties have survived over the years”, Cr McIntosh said.
Ms LeSouef said the project had attracted a great deal of interest with some of the properties already sold to private buyers.
The City of Ballarat is filming the heritage restoration works to be used as a reference for the community when similar conservation works are being undertaken and is hoping to gather local stories about the place and its former residents from community members.
People looking at undertaking heritage works are encouraged to contact Council’s Heritage Architect to discuss their requirements and options.
Community members who would like to contribute their stories about the Peel Street site to the project filming should contact Council’s Heritage Coordinator, Susan Fayad by phoning 5320 5677. More information on heritage in Ballarat is available from the City of Ballarat website www.ballarat.vic.gov.au