Work begins on special place for Bendigo's history
Thursday, 4 March 2010
History buffs will soon have further access to Bendigo's past following the start of works on stage two of the Bendigo Regional Archive Centre.
Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan today said the Brumby Labor Government had committed $1.3 million to make the regional repository happen.
"We understand that Bendigo residents are very proud of their city's history and that's why we are working with the City of Greater Bendigo to preserve and make accessible vital documents detailing Bendigo and the Goldfields histories," she said.
"One of the centre's key objectives is to ensure important historical documents and permanent public records are retained locally in Bendigo and become more accessible to the public.
"The Bendigo Regional Archive Centre is being built in two stages.
"A public reading room at the Bendigo Library was completed in June last year, and today's works will see the second and final stage, a permanent storage facility, built in Nolan Street, North Bendigo and finished by early 2011."
Ms Allan said the centre would also attract history buffs from around the State to Bendigo, helping to increase tourism.
"With such a special facility, I anticipate more and more people will visit Bendigo for research purposes," she said.
"Just last year we also announced $1.5 million to upgrade the Tram Depot as another way the Brumby Labor Government is helping preserve Bendigo's history for future generations.
Ms Allan said the $1.3 million would be sourced from the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund.
"The Regional Infrastructure Development Fund established by our Government has so far committed $525 million to 288 announced major projects throughout regional and rural Victoria with an estimated total value of $1.4 billion," she said.
"I would also alike to thank the City of Greater Bendigo Council which has contributed $266,631 to the project, as well as the Public Record Office Victoria which contributed $285,000."
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