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Restoration works were identified through an extensive building investigation and prioritisation of the works was made from both preservation and interpretation perspectives. A Living Heritage Grant and council contribution will fund the project.
The Chiltern Athenaeum is of historical importance for its role in Victoria's goldmining history. The Chiltern district was one of the most important gold producing areas in the colony and the Athenaeum was the centre of local government activity in the region during this period. The building is in need of urgent repair and conservation to ensure its longevity, as an important community asset in Chiltern.
The works will be carried out in 3 stages:
Stage 1 - Dampcourse Works, Damp Works, Tree Removal, Paint Removal.
Stage 2 - Brickwork Desalination
Stage 3 – Brick Repairs, Roof & Roof Plumbing Works, Plaster repairs, Door/ Window Repairs.
The restored facade was unveiled this week in front of a crowd of around 30 onlookers. The selected scheme, including colours, signwriting and tuckpointed brickwork of the restored facadeof the restored facade is true to the scheme that was in place from 1893 to 1940. Recommended as the best complete interpretation of the facade, the scheme was identified through microscopic samples taken from paint remnants left on the building and historic photos.
Final restoration works of the interior continue.
We’re making steady progress on the Chiltern Athenaeum restoration project.
New cornice and parapet cappings have been installed on the building’s facade, restoration of the brickwork and tuckpointing has been completed and an early full paint and signwriting scheme has been reinstated.
Yet to be completed is the remaining painting and signwriting to the front façade, as will the interior painting and timber floor restoration and final door and window repairs.
Works will soon commence on the façade, which will include the installation of lead cappings, tuckpointing the existing brickwork, re-instatement of the original paint work and sign writing. Internal works are also underway, including ceiling repairs, wall rendering and painting as well as the installation of a new switchboard.
The restoration works are continuing at the Chiltern Athenaeum, with the internal and external works well progressed. New electrical wiring is currently being installed throughout the building and the installation of solar panels is complete.
The restoration works at the Chiltern Athenaeum are continuing with internal and external wall repairs, floor repairs, new security and electrical work all underway. We’ve also commenced the restoration of the front façade, including sign writing. Once complete, this will conclude the restoration works and the athenaeum is scheduled to re-open later this year.
Stage 1 works are complete and included:
Removal of the finishes to the front façade revealed hand painted signage from the buildings early life and two different early colour schemes. Further investigation and discussion with Heritage Victoria is to be carried out to confirm the appropriate restoration strategy.
The Athenaeum will be closed to the public for some of the works.
57 Conness Street, Chiltern 3683 View Map
57 Conness Street , Chiltern 3683