One of Ballarat’s most iconic heritage landmarks has been restored to its former glory, with conservation and repair works on the historic Mining Exchange Building now complete.
The transformation has revitalised the building’s upper facade, returning it to a colour scheme inspired by its original 1880s appearance and revealing a fresh new look that celebrates its rich history.
The final result was unveiled this week, when the scaffolding was removed and the fresh sandy-toned colour unveiled.
The project included the careful removal of ageing acrylic paint, restoration of rendered surfaces and application of a breathable mineral paint system designed to protect the building for generations to come. Areas showing signs of deterioration were also repaired using best-practice heritage conservation methods.
The result is a striking enhancement to the Lydiard Street streetscape, with the restored facade showcasing the grandeur and craftsmanship of one of Ballarat’s most treasured heritage buildings.
The restoration took slightly longer than originally anticipated, as the removal of the existing paint proved more challenging than expected. Once the paint was removed, it was also discovered that the underlying render required more extensive repairs than initially identified, particularly around the building’s detailed heritage elements.
The project was fully funded by the City of Ballarat and approved by Heritage Victoria. It was delivered using specialist heritage techniques and materials to preserve the character of the 137-year-old landmark while improving its long-term resilience.
City of Ballarat Acting Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor said the completed project was a proud moment for the city.
“The Mining Exchange is one of Ballarat’s most recognisable and cherished buildings, and seeing it restored to a colour palette that reflects its original beauty is incredibly exciting,” she said.
“This project has breathed new life into an iconic landmark and further strengthens Ballarat’s reputation as one of Australia’s great heritage cities.
“The renewed facade is already turning heads and is a wonderful reminder of the importance of preserving our history while investing in our future.”
The Mining Exchange has remained operational as a building throughout the life of the project and is currently hosting the World Press Photo exhibition, which will remain open until Sunday 20 September.
