Work to complete a staged renewal of The Capital’s historic slate roof will commence this month for an expected completion in April 2024.
City of Greater Bendigo Property Manager Daniella McClure said the works are part of the City’s heritage renewal program to remove and replace the damaged slate with new Welsh slate to match the original.
“All associated ridge capping, box gutters, eaves gutters, valleys and flashings will also be replaced as part of the works,” Ms McClure said.
“The first stage of the project, undertaken in 2018 was the replacement of damaged slate on the entrance portico in View Street. The second stage was undertaken in 2020 over the theatre’s stage area and the third and final stage is the remainder of the roof.
“The work is being undertaken by a local specialised roofing contractor and should cause little disruption to the building’s access as the scaffolding will be located at the rear of the building.
“The Capital is one of the City’s iconic and much-loved historic buildings and it’s important to undertake these types of essential maintenance works to preserve it into the future.
“The Capital building is of both architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. It is listed on both the Victorian and National Heritage Registers. The roof renewal works are supported through a Heritage Victoria permit exemption.”
The Capital (formerly the Masonic Hall) was designed by noted local architects Vahland and Getzschmann in a Renaissance Revival style and constructed in 1873/74.
The building originally contained lodge rooms, a public tavern and a concert hall. In 1889-90 Vahland and Getzchmann designed additions to the building, which included converting the concert hall to a theatre.
The building, with its imposing front façade is unsurpassed in a building of this type in Victoria. It also contributes to the streetscape of View Street – one of the finest precincts of nineteenth century buildings in Victoria.