Fund boost for heritage building owners

Eleven heritage building owners will receive a total of $160,000 from Wellington City Council’s Built Heritage Incentive fund.

The Council’s Transport and Urban Development Committee this week approved funding toward earthquake strengthening work such as geotechnical and seismic assessment or structural work, as well as repairs and maintenance to keep built heritage characteristics.

Buildings receiving help from the fund include the former BNZ building on Manners Street, Thorndon School Hall and 179 Riddiford Street in Newtown (Aztec House).

The Built Heritage Incentive Fund helps with conserving, restoring, protecting and caring for Wellington's heritage-listed buildings and objects. It is one of a range of Council initiatives to increase earthquake safety in Wellington. The next round of applications is open and will close on Friday 1 August.

Councillor Iona Pannett, the Council’s Buildings Portfolio Leader, says, “We’re delighted to be able to contribute to these projects to help preserve Wellington’s heritage character. The Council has been doing a lot of work identifying earthquake-prone buildings and is particularly keen to work with heritage building owners to ensure the buildings continue to contribute to our city’s character and economy.”

Owners of heritage buildings in Newtown who are thinking of maintaining or quake-strengthening their property are encouraged to attend an information evening about the fund on Thursday 8 May, starting 7pm, at Newtown Hall (corner of Daniell and Constable Streets).

The Council’s heritage team and insurance and engineering experts will be on hand to discuss issues and concerns about buildings and how the Council may be able to help with advice and funding.

To find out more about the Built Heritage Incentive Fund, or to apply, visit Wellington.govt.nz and search “Built Heritage Incentive Fund”.

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