THERE is no heritage overlay for this old, dilapidated beauty but planned works to restore its incredible sheltered view over the district will be with utmost respect.
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Heritage architect Wendy Jacobs said this cemetery rotunda, dating back to the early 1890s, would be conserved and repaired "by the book" to keep its special place in Ballarat history.
Restoring this cemetery cupola aims to keep drawing more people into the public park for reflection, recreation and remembrance.
This shelter, up the back in the developing newer sections of Ballarat New Cemetery, is one of four rotundas no longer safe for public use. One, near the Norman Street entrance, has already been renewed.
Ballarat General Cemeteries chief executive Annie De Jong said the iconic rotundas carried important historic value and had a vital practical purpose, too.
"Shelter in cemeteries can be challenging where the focus is caring for people who are no longer with us," Ms De Jong said. "Shelter is particularly important in Ballarat weather."
More than 500 people visit Ballarat New Cemetery each weekend and special occasions, such as Mother's Day or Christmas, can draw more than 2000 visitors.
Ms De Jong said the cemetery was also an important green space for community passive recreation. A Ballarat International Foto Biennale display was enticing more visitors.
We want to be getting more people relaxed about death...Cemeteries are a lovely place to think about people.
- Annie De Jong, Ballarat General Cemeteries chief executive
"We want to be getting more people relaxed about death," Ms De Jong said. "People are often scared to be coming into somewhere that is part of the natural life cycle. Cemeteries are a lovely place to think about people."
A $128,000 state government grant will allow Ballarat General Cemeteries Trust to restore two rotundas: one in the new and one in the old burial grounds. All materials will be sourced from the region with Peter Broadhead to lead construction.
Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said it was important to invest in the rotundas and do them properly.
Ms Addison admired the old craftmanship with BGC scripted into metal work on the rotundas' sides.
"The word cemetery comes from the Greek word meaning sleeping place and we've got more than 72,000 people sleeping here. This is an important place for the living to reflect," Ms Addison said. "It's really important we are making an investment not only for today, but for the future."
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