DEVELOPERS have shown what a historic facade in the heart of Bendigo might look like if current cladding is torn down.
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They have shared the images of Pall Mall's former Dymocks building during the latest stage of public consultation through the City of Greater Bendigo's planning processes.
The building overlooking the Alexandra Fountain is covered in cladding that hides a facade dating back to the 19th century.
Heritage Victoria says it is part of one of Bendigo's most historically and architecturally important commercial precincts.
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"The wealth of Bendigo in its heyday and the aspirations to become a great city are best displayed in this precinct," it says.
Building company Sherridon Homes bought the building last December and wants to turn the vacant sections of the building into a customer hub complete with a showroom and office space.
It has proposed using a light, greyish-white color for the facade after uncovering the shade during historical research on the building, regional general manager Natalie King said.
"We would have loved to have gone right back to the original brick face because we found pictures suggesting that was what was originally there," she said.
"But that could have ruined it. The facade has been painted over too many times."
The latest blueprints show seven windows facing onto Pall Mall would be uncovered if second floor cladding came down.
More windows would be revealed on the side overlooking Mitchell Street.
Sherridon would also reinstate verandah posts similar to those lost in the 20th century.
At that time, many councils believed verandah posts posed a danger to motorists.
The new plans show some posts would not be able to be reinstalled because of the risk they could pose to traffic at the corner closest to the busy intersection.
Ms King was excited to see how people would react to the reintroduction of historic features.
"We really hope Bendigo will love it, if and when we can start bringing it all back to life," she said.
Internal restoration works are already underway and expected to be finished within the next eight weeks.
The facade's restoration would take place at a time of sweeping changes across the wider Pall Mall area.
Decision makers have begun floating ideas for law courts and Bendigo TAFE buildings once groups currently using them leave in coming years.
The precinct could attract museums and heritage restoration teams if some proposals get off the ground, mayor Jennifer Alden has previously said.
"There's a question about whether particular heritage buildings and institutions in the area could lend themselves to those sorts of activities," she said.
All are in very early stages of conceptual development.
Anyone wanting to give feedback or view Sherridon's facade plans can visit the council's website.
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