Structural repairs are on the horizon that will see a significant change to Maldon’s Beehive Chimney and the time to have your say about the proposed upgrades is now. Plans have been advertised by Heritage Victoria for community feedback and the deadline for comment has been extended to Friday 4 July. The long and the short of it is: urgent repairs are on the table but the result will be a permanently 3.5m shorter chimney.

Parks Victoria said an independent engineering assessment determined that the chimney requires immediate repair work to strengthen its structure. Funding has been allocated to undertake the reduction and repair, which local heritage experts have generally accepted as positive news involving a pragmatic compromise.

Rebuild, repair

The project will require the erection of tall scaffolding so that 50 square metres of brickwork can be repaired using lime mortar. The process, according to the plans available to view online, then involves deconstructing approximately 7m from the top of the chimney and salvaging the bricks for reuse. The Heritage Impact Statement says that weather, time and earlier attempts to repair the chimney (using damaging mortar) had contributed to its deterioration. The chimney also does not satisfactorily meet modern safety requirements in the case of an earthquake, presenting a public safety risk. Of note is the addition of a metal ‘cap’ for the chimney, to be attached to the brickwork.

Short story: shorter chimney

The works will result in a permanent reduction in the chimney’s height by approximately 3.7 metres. The Heritage Impact Statement says: “While these works necessitate a change in height to a feature that substantially contributes to the heritage place, they ensure that this chimney can remain in-situ, substantially intact, and in good repair, while also reducing the immediate threat to public safety.” The advertised documents explain that the proposed approach will meet two key goals: ensuring no further bricks fall from height plus a safer earthquake rating.

Local stakeholders respond

Maldon is fortunate to have numerous passionate and knowledgeable groups who have long advocated for repairs to the chimney, many of which are featured in our cover photo. The Maldon Heritage Network told the TT [Tarrangower Times] it is delighted that Parks Victoria has found the funds to undertake restoration works to the chimney.

“It appears that the proposed works adopt sound conservation principles that will maintain and prolong the life of the structure.” The group said it is regrettable that the chimney will be reduced in height and pointed to budget and timing restraints.

Derek Reid from Maldon Museum & Newstead Historical Society said he has reservations but wanted to see the relic saved. “I certainly do have concerns about changes in the height of such an iconic site,” he said, but noted that visitors may not notice. “All heritage places change over time and are modified to suit contemporary use, but you do try to minimise the visual impact.”

Lee Mead from Friends of Maldon Heritage Reserve said the proposal is very positive news and she appreciates what Parks Victoria is doing. “If that’s what has to happen, then that’s what has to happen to save the chimney.” She pointed out that the height of the Beehive Chimney was reduced in the 1920s after a lightening strike, adding to its story. “It’s a consequence of age and time, it can’t stay the way it is forever, which is true of everything.” Lee said she believes that the repairs will be undertaken in a sensitive manner and to heritage standards.

The heritage application says that if the proposal is refused, it would result in the loss of funding for the project. Parks Victoria said it expects the repairs to the chimney to commence in late June and be completed by September this year, with some access restrictions to the site during works.

Community comments will be considered prior to Stage 2 of the works; submit comments to Heritage Victoria using the online form at https://permits.heritage.vic.gov.au or by emailing heritage.permits@transport.vic.gov.au.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 20 June 2025.
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