9 February 2005

Restoration and enhancement funding for Auckland’s heritage buildings

Applications for Auckland City’s $50,000 built heritage fund are now open.

The fund was approved by Auckland City Council in June 2004 as a means to enhance the heritage significance of Auckland’s built heritage. Application criteria have been developed and confirmed by the Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee.

“This fund will build on the success of the existing heritage fund,” says committee chairperson, Councillor Christine Caughey. “The initial fund has been for ecological initiatives in the Hauraki Gulf islands, and we are now casting our net wider to focus on built heritage.”

The criteria for applications made to the Built Heritage Fund include: buildings must be of heritage significance and currently on the schedule of Buildings, Heritage Properties and, Places, Monuments and Objects of Special Value lists in the District Plan proposals must enhance the heritage significance of the item, such as essential repairs and maintenance to buildings, assistance for conservation plans, assistance for restoration and also enhancement of building facades funding is not retrospective and the project must start after the applicant receives notification that the application has been approved.

“It was evident from the success of the ecological heritage grants that there are many Aucklanders who take a keen interest in preserving and enhancing our natural heritage,” says Councillor Caughey. “Auckland’s built heritage has recently enjoyed similar interest and with this fund we hope to support start-up projects for buildings which may need urgent attention,” she says.

Auckland City heritage officers are available to discuss application criteria and details of a particular site. It is envisaged that a range of smaller projects will be funded with the $50,000 available, however more substantial grants may be eligible for consideration.

Additional information, guidelines for applications and application forms are available at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/heritage or by calling (09) 379 2020.

ENDS

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