Council has endorsed two new documents on heritage design guidelines that will help shape how residential and commercial heritage places are managed and protected into the future.
The Residential Heritage Design Guidelines and Commercial Heritage Design Guidelines provide detailed and practical guidance on how heritage buildings should be cared for and updated into the future. Both documents are to replace the Greater Bendigo Heritage Design Guidelines (2020).
The Residential Heritage Design Guidelines have comprehensive advice to guide different types of changes to heritage homes. This revised version also includes information about residential architectural styles, including post-war heritage homes.
The Commercial Heritage Design Guidelines have been created as a separate document for the first time to address a current gap in commercial guidance for heritage places. It provides advice for heritage shops, offices, and other commercial buildings.
Both documents were released for public engagement in late 2025 and have since been updated in response to community feedback.
The guidelines are intended for property owners and managers, designers, and planners, to assist with decision-making when planning changes to heritage places. Specifically, they:
- Explain heritage significance and identify local architectural styles and characteristics
- Provide guidance on conserving and restoring heritage buildings
- Provide guidance on sympathetic modifications to suit contemporary needs
- Encourage site-responsive design that respects the heritage while maintaining a distinct contemporary identity
- Ensure the City continues to evolve while strengthening its unique heritage character
Support consistent and informed planning decisions to achieve good design outcomes and align with the heritage objectives of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme
The City's next step is to request authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit Amendment C300gben. It seeks to incorporate both documents into the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, formally replacing the current guidelines (2020).
The amendment also seeks to apply Heritage Overlays to seven properties in Bendigo and Golden Square, as recommended by the Golden Square Heritage Study Stage 2 (2022).
Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the region enjoys a rich and diverse heritage that needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy.
"These new guidelines will be used to help people to make informed decisions when caring for, adapting, and developing heritage places," Cr Prince said.
"The guidelines support change that is sensitive, practical and in keeping with our heritage character."
