Heritage Restoration Loan Scheme

What is the Scheme?

The City of Greater Bendigo offers financial assistance to owners of historic buildings to undertake restoration and conservation projects. 

Past projects include: 

• Reinstatement of verandahs 
• Restoration of the shop front joinery and front fences from historic photographs 
• Repainting 
• Repairs to timber windows and chimneys

The scheme is for projects that restore, conserve, maintain or enhance the significant aspects of a building or place. It offers a no-interest loan to the value of half of the cost of the project, repayable over a five-year period in equal instalments for works that are over $5,000. 

Heritage Restoration Loan Scheme Information Brochure.

Conditions for the scheme

Buildings must be listed as of state or local heritage significance, or be located within a heritage precinct of the municipality.  

If the loan is $5,000 or greater, Council will take out security (a caveat or mortgage) over the property to ensure repayment of funds advanced. 

If the property is sold during the loan period, all funds will be required to be repaid at sale. 

If required, the applicant will need to get a planning and/or building permit for the proposed works. 

The heritage architect or advisor reports on each application for consideration of the Heritage Advisory Committee. The application is then forwarded to the Director of Strategy and Growth for approval.

How to apply?

To apply for the Scheme complete the Heritage Restoration Loan Scheme Application Form and forward to [email protected], or mail to Planning Services, City of Greater Bendigo, PO Box 733, Bendigo 3552.