A heritage façade in the centre of the CBD will be given a facelift after Bundaberg Regional Council approved funding for works at the site on 91 Bourbong Street.
Situated above Oasis cafe, the verandah on the top floor of the building will be revitalised by its owners with the help of a $10,000 grant, which was given the green light in Council’s May Ordinary Meeting.
The grant application, submitted under the Council’s Our Stories, Our Places Heritage and Character Grant Program, outlines a comprehensive plan to restore the upper floor verandah to its original condition.
This includes essential repairs and strengthening of the subfloor, replacement of hardwood decking and repairs to timber posts and framing.
Additionally, the restoration will involve repairing parts of the roof and installing new roofing, downpipes and flashing using materials to match the existing structure.
Arts, Heritage and Asset Management portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the project was another positive step towards preserving the city’s rich heritage and unique character.
He said the property at 91 Bourbong Street was situated within the Bundaberg Commercial Character Precinct, a key area identified in the Council’s planning scheme for its heritage and neighbourhood character significance.
“The approval of this funding application reflects the dedication to preserving Bundaberg’s historical architecture,” he said.
“Restoring the verandah at 91 Bourbong Street will not only enhance the building’s structural integrity but also contribute to maintaining the aesthetic and historical value of the Bundaberg Commercial Character Precinct.”
Find out more here.
Good that they will do this
This building was erected in the early 1920s after the western shop of the original 3 shops making up the Williams buildings was demolished. They had been built by WH Williams in 1895 on the site of the 2 shops he had built there in 1881. John Black occupied the western shop in 1898 after his partnership with his brother Robert was dissolved. They had a store on the corner of Perry and Queen streets. Early 1900s John Black demolished the 2 adjacent shops and built the present building with his name
Wouldn’t it be nice if the whole of the centre of town was done up? I feel so unsafe walking through it even in daylight. Parking is a complete mess.