Media release
27 February 2009

Cultural heritage fund applications now open

Owners of heritage buildings, objects, heritage properties or places of special historical value have the opportunity to secure financial help for restoration projects on their properties through the Auckland City Council’s Cultural Heritage fund.

The grant is available for the restoration or maintenance of cultural heritage throughout Auckland city. Projects can include, but are not limited to, repair and maintenance work, restoration such as façade enhancement and conservation plans.

The grant has a total of $50,000 available for projects.

Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chairperson of the City Development Committee says, “Auckland’s heritage is extremely important to us and the council recognises that it can be expensive for owners to maintain these properties in pristine condition.”

“Each year our Cultural Heritage fund helps owners of cultural heritage to maintain or restore their properties so they can be preserved and enjoyed for future generations,” Mr Bhatnagar says.

In order to secure a grant from the Cultural Heritage fund, applications must meet certain criteria, including:

o buildings objects, heritage properties or places of special value must be of heritage significance and currently scheduled under the Auckland City Council’s district plan
o proposals must enhance heritage significance through such things as essential repairs and maintenance, assistance for conservation plans, assistance with restoration and enhancement of building facades
o funding is for immediate use on projects and will not be issued retrospectively.

Applications to the fund are now open and will be accepted until 17 April 2009.

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

Completed applications must be received at the Auckland City Council by 5pm, Friday 17 April 2009. Decisions on who will receive a grant will be made by the City Development Committee on 14 May 2009.

ENDS

© Scoop Media