An impressive restoration and redesign of the Golden Point Methodist Church has seen it claim multiple accolades at the 2016 Ballarat Heritage Awards.
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The building, which was restored into a family home by owners David and Sharni Hutchinson, won the adaptive re-use of a heritage and the tangible section of the conservation of a heritage place, historic collection or tradition categories.
Tradesman Anthony Steinman and Justin Fraser were also joint winners of the special heritage skills (trades) category for their work on the building, located in Grant Street.
The development had its fare share of setbacks during the 18-month period of works, with a fire causing extensive damage to the roof during early construction in February, 2014.
Mr Hutchinson said it was a surprise to take so many accolades, with this year’s awards noted for a high number of quality nominations.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” he said.
“It was a massive undertaking, especially replacing the roof.”
The Sunday school section of the building has been turned into a one-bedroom unit, while the couple converted the previous toilet block into their childrens’ bedrooms and also built a rooftop deck.
The awards were hosted by the National Trust of Australia (VIC) Ballarat branch and supported by the City of Ballarat.
Ballarat Avenue of Honour Overpass claimed the new work/development within a heritage area category, while the Avenue of Honour Recreation (Arthur Kenny) took out the intangible section of the conservation of a heritage place, historic collection or tradition category.
Brett Weinberg took honours in the special heritage skills (research) for his work on the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum, while the heritage innovation title went to Ballarat’s First Gold Commissioners Camp Project and Booklet – Kelleher’s Australia.
The Greg Bins Award for outstanding community contribution to heritage went to the Ballarat and District Genealogical Society Inc.