St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Daylesford, a well-known historic landmark on Wombat Hill, is again in the spotlight after recent vandalism and a notice that the mortgagee has taken possession of the site.
Photos taken this week show damage to the building, including smashed stained-glass windows. There are also rumours that the famous organ in the church has been seriously damaged. A sign now posted at the entrance indicates that the mortgagee has taken control of the property and changed the locks.
Council recently approved a development application for the site at 19A Camp Street, which included plans to convert the former church into group accommodation. The proposal involved renovating the church to house two apartments, with two new buildings to the rear to provide an additional ten units.
Despite approval, development has not commenced. The property, sold to private owners in 2002, has remained vacant and subject to ongoing deterioration. The current ownership structure is unclear, though it is understood that the developer may be experiencing financial difficulties.
Council’s approval followed community concerns about neighbourhood impact, but also strong support for preserving the historic building, originally funded by local philanthropist Jessie Leggatt in the early 1900s.
With the mortgagee now in control, the future of the church—and any proposed restoration—remains uncertain.
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