In a monumental achievement for Bendigo, the historic Gillies Pie Factory has been meticulously restored to its original ‘abandoned’ state, a condition cherished by generations of nostalgic Bendigo residents.
The factory once served as the epicentre of pie production in central Victoria, churning out thousands of meat-filled pastries daily. However, after ceasing operations, the factory quickly fell into disrepair, becoming a beloved eyesore and famous graffiti canvas.
For years, debate raged over the fate of the dilapidated structure. Some wanted to see it converted into trendy apartments or an artisanal coffee shop, while others argued for bulldozing it to make way for yet another car park. However, a group of local history enthusiasts, determined to preserve the “true spirit” of Bendigo, lobbied successfully for the factory’s restoration to its “naturally decrepit” state.
“We are thrilled to have brought the Gillies Pie Factory back to its roots,” said Maureen Delaney, a member of the Bendigo Historical Society and self-proclaimed ‘Urban Decay Advocate’. “The peeling paint, broken windows, and pervasive scent of stale pastry are exactly as they were in 2010. It’s like stepping back in time—specifically, to a time when no one gave a toss about this place.”
The $10.2 million restoration project involved painstakingly recreating the factory’s signature aesthetic, carefully reintroducing rust to the corrugated iron roof and ensuring the graffiti was authentically mismatched in content and colour scheme. Volunteers even went the extra mile, arranging piles of rubble and debris to match archival photos from the 2000s.
Eaglehawk resident Boyd Short, who fondly remembers sneaking into the factory as a teenager to smoke cigarettes (and other stuff that can’t be mentioned here), expressed his approval of the project. “It’s good to see that some things never change. I mean, it still looks like a place you’d find a dead body.”
The restored factory is already drawing attention from tourists and Instagram influencers eager to capture its ‘abandoned chic’ vibe. Local authorities, however, have warned visitors not to get too close, as the building is “technically still a hazard.”
The restored Gillies Pie Factory stands as a testament to Bendigo’s commitment to preserving the past—especially the parts that are falling apart.
