Work will commence this week on a major conservation project to preserve the Queen Elizabeth Oval Cottage – one of Bendigo’s historically important buildings, for the future.
The $450,000 project is a partnership between the City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government.
City of Greater Bendigo Property Services Manager Andy Walker said many people may not realise that the cottage is actually two buildings that have been linked together over time.
“The two buildings are the Public Works Office built in 1858 and QEO Cottage which was built in the 1890s to house the QEO’s green keeper,” Mr Walker said.
“Works to the original Public Works Office section of the building will include installation of timber flooring, internal hard plaster works, restoration of doors and architraves, repainting, roof repairs, electrical upgrade, restoration of sandstone base and brickwork repairs
“We will also demolish the old link between the two buildings which is in poor condition and build a new structure to re-link the buildings.
“Works to the cottage section of the building will include restoration of doors and windows, electrical upgrade, replacement of the verandah, paint work, the removal of old toilets and bathroom and the provision of a new unisex, accessible toilet facility.
“Minor landscaping works and the addition of an accessible ramp will also improve access to the building.
“The work is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to preserve important heritage buildings under its care.”
The project is funded by a $250,000 contribution from the City of Greater Bendigo and a $200,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Heritage Victoria Living Heritage Grants program.
The work is expected to be completed in August.
About QEO Cottage
The former Public Works Office was constructed in c1858, just seven years after gold was first discovered in Bendigo. It was part of the Government Camp which operated in what we now know as Rosalind Park. The building dates from the colonial government initiative to construct permanent buildings at the camp.
The Rosalind Park Government Camp was one of the largest government camps in the Victorian Goldfields and the buildings are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
In the 1890’s the Bendigo Council constructed a cottage adjacent to the Public Works Office for use by the Rosalind Park Upper Reserve’s green keeper.
