Chiltern Athenaeum Restoration Project
- Project typeConservation
- Project value$474,612 (see funding breakdown below)
- Project scheduleDelayed
About this project
The building was constructed in circa 1866, opening firstly as an Athenaeum. It has been an Athenaeum and Town Hall across its life and has been in continuous public use since opening. The Chiltern Athenaeum is included on the Victorian Heritage Register as H1326.
The building has had damp and moisture related issues across its 158-year lifespan, with the floor and floor structure replaced at least twice and continuous masonry repairs.
Conservation and repair works were identified as necessary in 2018 following extensive building investigation, to protect the ongoing integrity of the building.
Why is this project being undertaken and how is it being funded?
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 project was funded in the 2020-2021 budget, for $190,000.00 (excluding GST), with priority works the focus. The scope has increased significantly during the delivery of the project, with the budget now increased to $474,612.45 (excluding GST).
The project evolved from addressing high priority damp and moisture related issues, to a complete conservation and repair project to ensure long term preservation of the building, and suitable conditions for use as a museum. This was seen as necessary works and the most opportunistic, and cost-effective way to carry out the works while it was under construction.
This was strongly recommended and supported by Deborah Kemp (Council's Heritage Advisor), Heritage Victoria and Greg Owen (Period Building Conservation – Heritage Building Expert/Contractor). The change in direction during the construction stage of the project has however presented a number of issues that have greatly impacted the project budget and timeline.
| Funding contributor |
Amount |
| Grant funding (State HV) - Restoration Works |
$120,000 |
| Grant funding (State - SV) |
$11,773 |
| Community Contribution - Climate Control |
$50,000 |
| Council contribution |
$186,782 |
| Council additional funding (not confirmed) |
$106,057 |
| Total project budget |
$474,612 |
What is happening and when?
The works will be carried out in three 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.
April 2025 update
The Heritage Victoria Permit for the installation of a climate control system has been received.
Works are expected to restart on site this month, with the remainder of the contracted works, including the climate control system to be completed.
We are continuing to work closely with the contractor and providing updates to the Chiltern Athenaeum Committee.
November 2024 update
November 8, 2024
Completion of conservation works, repairs and the installation of climate control at the Chiltern Athenaeum are currently on hold until the Heritage Victoria Permit for the climate control installation has been granted.
A response is expected in early December and the remaining works will be rescheduled following this notification.
August 2024 update
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.
July 2024 update
Project Update 11 July 2024
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.
February 2024 update
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.
December 2023 update
- Contractor is aiming to finish off the eaves gutters and roofing work before Christmas so the side and rear scaffolding can be taken down.
- Contractor will be back on site in the new year in a full time capacity with the aim to complete the works asap.
September 2023 update
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.
June 2023 Update
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.
October 2021 Update
Stage 1 works are complete and included:
- Damp course work to prevent moisture penetrating the structure
- Installation of a perimeter surface drain to divert water away from the building
- Removal of modern finishes to the front façade
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.
What will be the impact of these works?
The Athenaeum will be closed to the public for some of the works.
Location
57 Conness Street, Chiltern 3683 View Map
-36.1510682,146.609814
57 Conness Street ,
Chiltern 3683
57 Conness Street ,
Chiltern 3683
Chiltern Athenaeum Restoration Project