The ‘new’ Bendigo Chapel

Over the past two years, Remembrance Parks Central Victoria has been working closely with Heritage consultants and master-builders to restore the historic and beautiful former Mortuary Chapel located in Bendigo Cemetery.

Originally built in the gothic revival style in the 1870’s, the Chapel stands in the Bendigo Cemetery which is included in the Victorian Heritage Register as a ‘a place of architectural, historical, aesthetic and scientific (botanical) significance to the State of Victoria’. The Chapel was originally built as a mortuary chapel and was constructed using rock-faced granite from Harcourt. In the past, Mortuary Chapels were often located in a cemetery where coffined bodies briefly lay before burial.

Restoration of the chapel, in consultation with Dr. Gary Hill from Minerva Heritage, included re-pointing, step repairs, reinstatement of decorative render, roof repairs, removal of salt deposits, restoration of interior render, entrance doors and ceiling restoration. This will allow the building to be opened to the public on a regular basis.

Prior to the completion of this work, the Chapel was unusable due to the internal condition of the building, which included considerable damage to the interior render and very high salt levels within the render. Large areas of render were delaminated from the wall structure and in danger of falling from the wall. The quantity of bird droppings on the roof timbers were a risk to public health. The lack of use and activity around and in the building also significantly increased the risk of damage and vandalism at the site.

All works were managed by the Heritage Consultant, using traditional materials and techniques and followed the principles of the Burra Charter. The Burra Charter is a set of principles that have been adopted to create a nationally accepted standard for heritage conservation practice in Australia.

RPCV is pleased to see this lovely building restored to its former condition.

An official opening of the renovated Chapel is planned for November 2024

RPCV acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Victorian State Government, Living Heritage Community Grants program who provided funding for this important community project.