And the work done on the Vanessa Pringle Floral Designs shop at 166 William Street has also caught the attention of the Bathurst branch of the National Trust of Australia, which has presented Ms Pringle a heritage award for her efforts to conserve and protect the city's past.

Vanessa and Warren Pringle bought the iconic William Street building in October 2019, starting a new chapter in the life of the building.

Branch president Iain McPherson said the restoration was a great example of how heritage buildings could be adapted for modern use.

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"Adaptive reuse of this building and the restoration works by Vanessa Pringle will keep a part of Bathurst's heritage alive and ongoing," Mr McPherson said.

"Many people will have memories of their visit to the milk bar beside the picture theatre which once stood on what is now the Rosconi's site.

"It is a good example of how, when we maintain and save a heritage building, we maintain and enjoy the cultural heritage of Bathurst. There are so many buildings and places which are important not just because of the building, but because of the memories they hold."

Mr McPherson said Bathurst should do more to protect its heritage.

"Heritage is great for our visitors but it's at the heart of our community and our memories," he said.

"Every time we lose a building, we forever lose part of our cultural heritage and sense of place. That's why adaptive reuse is so important. Our thanks to Vanessa Pringle."

A study of the building's past found it stands on two lots of land in the block between Keppel and Piper streets.

One of the lots was granted to a solicitor, Gilbert Wright, and the adjoining lot to Alexander Fraser. Both men received their grants on March 7, 1839.

The building became the business premises of Thomas Miller Wellington who specialised in coffin building before he and his wife, Susan, started the first undertaker business in Bathurst.

Their three sons later joined them in the business.

In September 1916 the building was sold to Mr Wellington's daughter, Annie Louise Weal, who was married to bootmaker John Weal. That meant the property remained owned by the Wellington family until September 1929 when Mrs Weal sold it to the Burlington Picture Company.

The building has subsequently been used as a confectioner's shop, a delicatessen, the offices of a building company and finance company, an organic food shop and restaurant, and finally a florist shop - serving the Bathurst community for more than 100 years.

"The National Trust congratulates Vanessa and Warren for the work they have done on the building, ensuring its continuity for many years to come," Mr McPherson said.

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