Trust funds local heritage
June 26, 2003

North Shore residents have received grants to help them to improve or restore their unique heritage properties.

The funding comes from the North Shore Heritage Trust, a North Shore City Council initiative which was launched late last year to provide one-off grants towards stabilising, repairing or restoring heritage homes, or preparing conservation plans and site protection.

The Trust's aim is to protect and support North Shore City's heritage while raising awareness and appreciation of it within the community.

The recipients of $5000 grants include Jeannette and Graeme Dickey of Williamson Avenue, Takapuna and John and Margaret Williamson of Colonial Road, Birkenhead for work to waterproof the exterior of their heritage properties; Glen Ricketts of Devonport for the repair and restoration of the turret on his Clarence Street home and Greg and Nicola Hill to restore the façade of the former Post Office in Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead.

Funding support has also been given to Sally McLeay and Harry Craven to help them rebuild their two-storey shopfront verandah in Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead subject to resource consent requirements.

Tony Holman, chairperson of the city's strategy and finance committee and one of the seven trustees, says the Trust supports local heritage at the community level.

"We're providing one-off grants to people whose properties contribute to the wonderful heritage character of our city," he says.

Councillor Holman, a lifelong North Shore City resident, says heritage gives an insight into the past and enriches the environment.

"We want to preserve and celebrate our city's valued heritage features for the benefit and enjoyment of our community, visitors and future generations."

The North Shore Heritage Trust trustees include Paddy Stafford-Bush (chair) - chair of the Auckland Conservation Board and a former chair of the Devonport Community Board; Jeremy Salmond - architect specialising in the conservation of historic buildings; Genevieve Becroft - arts advisor, past chair of Lake House Trust and former North Shore City councillor; James Dowell - company director; Mark O'Donnell - general manager; Robert Latimer - education consultant and Tony Holman - environmentalist, heritage advocate and North Shore City councillor.

Applications for the next funding round close on August 1. For more information, an application form and details of the assessment criteria, people are invited to visit http://www.northshorecity.govt.nz/ or contact North Shore City's heritage advisor, Greg Bowron, on 486 8600.

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