THE COMMONWEALTH Bank's proposed upgrade of its main Ballarat branch would threaten the city's future as an attractive film location, a lobby group has warned.
Ballarat Citizens for Thoughtful Development president Anne Beggs-Sunter said the planned overhaul of the building, at the corner of Sturt and Lydiard streets, would not blend in with the historic surrounds and do little to
attract future film crews.
She believed there were at least three projects "in the pipeline" that planned to use Sturt St for filming.
"There's certainly been great interest in the centre of Ballarat and Ballarat's historic buildings for historic films," she said.
"The glass and steel to be used for the upgrade does not blend in well with the stone and brick masonry of the 19th century."
Ms Beggs-Sunter said the "ugly" bank building was an obstacle for potential film makers.
"When they filmed Ned Kelly they had to carefully mask out that corner," Ms Beggs-Sunter said.
The historian said the city would be more attractive to film directors if the bank was returned to its former glory.
"It is arguably Australia's most important intersection."
Ms Beggs-Sunter said if the corner was restored to its "original splendour" the city's heritage value would increase.
"The more historic buildings in the city centre, the more attractive it is. It really is a test for the future of Ballarat's historic buildings," she said.
"If the upgrade goes ahead, it sets a bad precedent for other developers."
Ms Beggs-Sunter said the group had expressed concerns about the proposed $550,000 facade upgrade at a meeting held between the City of Ballarat and a CBA representative last week.
"There are a number of funds available from the State and Federal Governments for historic buildings," she said.
Ms Beggs-Sunter said the group suggested using the $550,000 set aside for the upgrade to start a trust fund to restore the bank.
"We're quite prepared to wait a couple of years to reconstruct a facade that is derived from the original building."
However, the city's heritage councillor, Herman Ruyg, said people should accept the building was lost in 1966.
"It's very disappointing to see so much energy spent on something we lost 30 or 40 years ago," Cr Ruyg said.
"I would rather people spent their energy on trying to spruce up the city for next year."
Cr Ruyg said he supported Mayor David Vendy's push to have the upgrade completed in time for the 10th World Conference of Historical Cities to be held in Ballarat in 2006.
Cr Ruyg said he did not believe the upgraded bank would deter film directors.
"I don't think it will be a problem," he said.
"It's something they can overcome."
Cr Ruyg said there had been a trend to modernise buildings in the past 50 years.
`"That was the mood of the world at the time - to modernise everything.
"Now we're lamenting for what's gone."
Cr Ruyg said it was very unfortunate the original building had been demolished, but said it was too late to save it.
"Please let's not get bogged down in lamenting," he said.
The issue will go before the Ballarat City Council's forum before the planning application is put the the council on March 9.
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