2021 Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage Architecture

Jury citation

In a lecture in the 1980s, architectural historian Ian Sinnamon coined the aphorism that would typify his immeasurable influence on conservation and heritage practice: “do as much as necessary but as little as possible.” This maxim has become part of Australia’s heritage conservation lexicon and is exquisitely exemplified in the works undertaken by Williams Boag Architects to this important building in the city of Bendigo.

Heritage buildings are the storytellers of who and what we once were. Ensuring that they are lovingly and carefully treated promises continuum of that legacy. Heritage Victoria’s Statement of Significance for this building notes both its 1872 Mining Exchange use and its use by Allans Music in 1927, when the arcade opened. In the deft hands of Williams Boag Architects, these tales and more reverberate in the conserved work. It exhibits a deep understanding of many readings of the word “time,” beyond an abstract and academic proposition and into technical detail; this is strangely rare in the context of heritage buildings. Many things are changed but, rather than delivering a new work, the project respects the historical interventions and layers while being incredibly deferent to the original architect, Charles Webb.

This project goes beyond an understanding of history to develop an understanding of the story of the building; a deeply reflective strategy about the weathering of forms is evident. The work undertaken displays both an enormous affection for the building, its meaning and story, and an intense desire to envision its ability to be useful for the future while enabling a deep and caring interpretation of the past. In the words of the insightful and appreciative client, “The dance between compliance and aesthetics of a heritage-listed building was a challenging task that required clear thinking and creative solutions. It’s not until you sit back and review the project that you appreciate the transformation from a neglected, dark, pigeon-infested site with intrusive elements introduced over many years to a sensitive and spectacular representation of the history of the building.” The architect has woven together the acts of interpretation, restoration, conservation and reinstatement to execute an exemplar of heritage practice.

Project credits

Architect: Williams Boag Architects; Project team: Peter Williams, Sean Earl; Builder: DBG Projects; Building surveyor: Regional Building Surveying Services; Structural engineer: Osborne Consulting Group; Services consultant: BCA Engineers; Quantity surveyor: M P Cordia and Associates; Geotechnical engineer: A. S. James; Other consultants: Before Compliance; Photographer Fred Kroh

Bendigo Former Mining Exchange by Williams Boag Architects is located in Bendigo, Victoria, on the land of the Dja Dja Wurrung people of the Kulin nation.