CITY of Greater Bendigo director planning Prue Mansfield says future generations of Bendigonians will be thankful today’s council did not demolish the former Gillies and Crystal Ice factories.
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The vacant Garsed Street sites have been a target of vandals and arsonists since iconic Bendigo brands The Gillies Pie Factory and Crystal Industries sold the premises to developers more than five years ago.
Concerned residents called for an urgent solution after uncontained asbestos disturbed by trespassers was discovered on June 18. The owners of both sites met with the council recently to discuss securing the site and give an update on development proposals.
Ms Mansfield was hopeful the owners would be able to address the public concerns soon.
“The focus of that meeting was to get it secure and safe. That’s what (the owners) are required to do,” she said.
She said the owners were “keen” to start developing the sites in the near future.
The council recently changed the zoning of the land to allow it to be used for residential development, offices or cafes.
“The people who own it are property developers and we are in early discussions about possible development proposals,” she said. “They still have a long way to go but we will continue working with them until they put forward a formal application.”
Ms Mansfield said the now run-down site would be a vibrant part of Bendigo moving forward.
She said other sites in Bendigo, such as the Mill or the Bendigo Town Hall, had undergone similar transformations in the past.
“For many years the Town Hall was run down, unloved and came within one vote at a council meeting of being demolished – a decision that is now unimaginable.
“The city is always in transition. Sometimes parts go through painful and ugly periods.
“There are places that are run-down and become less and less used until someone sees the opportunity.
“The Gillies/Crystal Ice site will be like this. In 20 years time people will be saying, “How could they have thought of demolishing it?””
Council place manager Phil DeAraugo said there were “hundreds” of options for the developers.
“This is an important part of our social history.
“Imagine student apartments, or cafes like Chancery Lane.
“You could keep the outside like a shell and do something completely difference on the inside.
“There are a hundred different ways you can develop this place."
