The decision by the City of Greater Bendigo to look into future storage for the thousands of artefacts in the hands of historical societies, council and private collections before moving on to consider a new museum site has drawn the ire of some.  

Historical societies and heritage groups have called for the Bendigo Law Courts to be turned into a museum of goldfields history once the courts are relocated to another site.

Many see the court’s prime CBD position as a good fit for a new museum and the delay to conduct a survey for storage neither time nor money well spent.

The public also weighed into the debate this week. James Proctor, from Strathdale, wrote in our letters to the editor, “while good storage is vital to a museum, the ability to secure the old courts as a museum is a once-only opportunity” and Shirley Grant, from Shelbourne, wrote that the old court house was a  “fitting museum which is in an ideal position in the CBD”.

The council, though, is right to be cautious. It has said that choosing the space for a new Bendigo museum without first ascertaining storage needs would be like “putting the cart before the horse”.

What use would be a building, beautifully designed or renovated but not fit for purpose if it was unable to cope with the long-term needs of the collection, both for display and storage? 

Read more: “Cart before the horse”

A considered approach is also prudent given there is a lack of consensus on where the site should be among Bendigo's historical community. 

Some back the law courts, others a purpose-built facility or the Mines Institute on McCrae Street. Or none of these. 

The fact that a new museum could be years down the track is frustrating to groups who have grappled long term with a lack of facilities and over-crowded storage units. 

What is certain, however, is that while the right choice would be lauded, the wrong would be derided as a waste of ratepayers money. Best to get it right. 

Letters must carry the name, full address and  telephone number of the author. The writer’s name and suburb/town will bebe published. Letters may be edited for space, accuracy, clarity and legal reasons.  Letters which are deemed inappropriate will not be published.Send letters to Bendigo Advertiser, PO Box 61, Bendigo 3552 or here

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.