Key elements of the estimated $460,000 proposal include demolition of the existing church building and portable classroom and construction of a new 803 square metre church, connected to the existing church hall.

In its planning application, Golden City Baptist Church said it intends to create a five-space car park within the Ophir Street frontage, but continue to rely on adjoining the adjoining crown land car park for most parking requirements.

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The new church building would have a maximum building height of 6.2 metres and be a Colorbond construction in a "muted shade of cream".

A large church assembly space, four learning spaces, four meeting rooms, toilets, kitchen and ancillary areas would also feature in the 803sqm redeveloped site.

Established in 1982, Golden City Baptist Church has worshipped at its current site since 1992.

The congregation has 41 members and about 140 people attend its services each week.

The church said it has been investigating options for the construction of a new church building since 2015.

It had purchased land in Hammill Street, Kangaroo Flat in 2016, with a view to establishing a church on the site, however council refused a planning permit application in July 2018 and the church sold the site.

Examination of those sites in the Bendigo urban area were deemed inappropriate, so the decision was made to redevelop its existing site.

The existing church building was identified by Bendigo council as the former office and workshop of Bendigo Mines Limited's Neil Gwynne Mine, later renamed the South Nell Gwynne mine.

It was established in the mid-1930s and is potentially the last mining-related building still located in its original location.

A similar adjacent building from the site was relocated to the Central Deborah Gold Mine and now serves as the change house.

The church has a licence over the adjoining crown land that abuts the site to the north east, which is renewed annual.

It provides most of the car parking associated with the church and is particularly used for Sunday's morning and evening services.

The crown land, about 2330 sqm, provides capacity for 70 spaces.

The application's public advertising has closed, with Bendigo council's decision on whether or not to grant a permit imminent.

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