THE dilapidated foundry in Eaglehawk Road, Ironbark, has been approved for demolition.
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Known as Golden City Implements, Central Foundry and Osborne Foundry, the historic building has remained unused for years.
While the 1872 building had a heritage overlay, Heritage Victoria has approved the demolition and the City of Greater Bendigo has given the work the all-clear.
The Bendigo Advertiser was told the demolition was expected to start this week, but a spokesperson for Heritage Victoria said they understood the demolition was likely to take place later this month.
The body hasn’t received formal notification that work will begin, which is required at least five days before the demolition starts.
While Heritage Victoria will allow the demolition, noting the building is “dilapidated”, objects inside the building must be kept and donated to The Bendigo Trust.
Work must also be stopped if historical artefacts are discovered.
Bendigo Historical Society president Jim Evans said it would be sad to see the foundry go, but he noted that it was hard to save the building.
“It’s a good bit of Bendigo’s history going,” he said. “I think there’s only one other foundry left from what was once a flourishing scene during the gold-mining era.
“But it’s a fact of life.”
Repair costs were estimated at $866,000 in 2007, according to the Heritage Victoria spokesperson.
Mr Evans said it was good the objects in the building would be kept.
Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum said the demolition was long overdue.
“I say good riddance,” he said.
“I’d be happy to see it turned into rubble.
“I understand it’s old, but it’s very much an eyesore and a health hazard and it looks like it’s within an inch of falling down.
“Good luck and well done to whoever develops it.”