However, Bathurst may have either a coffee table or microwave as a rival for the toaster with the State Office Block on William Street, a building in the "brutalist" style, according to architects.

About 25 members of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects' NSW Country Division met in Bathurst on Friday to focus on heritage, including the issues of modern buildings.

As we enter the 21st century, the more recent buildings of the 20th century begin to take on an historical perspective and we are faced with the dilemma of whether the 1970s buildings are worth saving.

Bathurst, with its State Government block, was the subject of discussion at the RAIA meeting at the James Cook Motor Inn, attended by 25 architects from across NSW.

Department of Public Works speakers included Peter Moulde and Callantha Brigham.

Bathurst City Council's strategic planning manager Janet Bingham addressed the meeting about the unique aspects of Bathurst's architecture which, she said, covered every style in the 200 years of development in Australia.

Ms Bingham said the City Council and staff had come to grips with planning for 1950s, 1960s and 1970s buildings to fit in with architecture that dates back to 1815 in one of the State's fastest growing communities.

She said that Bathurst has one-third of its development within a conservation area and 200 buildings have been heritage listed.

Since the council began implementing policies, Ms Bingham said there has been dramatic improvement in development that has been complementary and enhancing.

Council had set out to retain old buildings and streetscapes, Ms Bingham said.

Assessments were being made of buildings by the council at departmental level with developers. Historical assessments were made by an independent group with a vast information data base.

Ms Bingham said heritage was an evolutionary process but had to suit needs. Buildings had to fulfil a role in modern society and maintain integrity of old and new architecture.