Thursday 3 May
The Council’s Grants Subcommittee approved over $500,000 of funding towards seismic strengthening work and conservation
of 16 historic buildings around the capital through the Built Heritage Incentive Fund (BHIF) today.
The BHIF supports owners with the conservation and seismic strengthening of heritage buildings – which ticks the boxes
as far as Our 10-Year-Plan is concerned according to Mayor Justin Lester.
“This project combines with a number of others to support our resilience and environmental objectives, which we are
currently encouraging public feedback on. Based on submissions to date, resilience and environment is already a priority
Wellingtonians want tackled first.”
The 16 buildings have been allocated funding as they fit the criteria in improving our core infrastructure and future
proofing our city, says Infrastructure and Sustainability portfolio leader Councillor Iona Pannett.
“The Built Heritage Incentive Fund is integral to making our heritage buildings stronger and safer, and so further
protecting the public. It’s important to preserve these buildings as they are part of our history, our identity, and our
culture – and when they go, we can’t get them back.
“They’re also a draw card for tourism, support the construction and renovation industries, and they appeal to businesses
that appreciate the architectural merit, gravitas, and charm an historic building can provide their organisation,” she
adds.
As Chair of the Grants Subcommittee, Sarah Free is pleased with the number of applications for this round.
“This round has seen the most applications to the fund that we have ever had, which is fantastic. If anyone does have a
heritage building that needs work they should feel free to contact Council’s heritage team for advice and to see whether
we can assist with a grant.”
Buildings benefitting from the fund are:
ProjectAmount allocatedFormer Plumbers Building -124 Wakefield Street$25,000126 Cuba Street$84,000Arco House Ltd – 45-47 Cuba Street$15,000Ashleigh Court – 114 Riddiford Street$72,000173 Riddiford Street$35,000258 Riddiford Street$3,000Jaycee Building – 99 Willis Street$10,000Glendaruel – 316 Karori Road$5,000348 Tinakori Road$20,000Former McGavin House and Surgery – 200 Willis Street$84,000St Peter’s Anglican Church – 211 Willis Street$5,000The Shamrock – 224-230 Tinakori Road$25,000Wellesley Building – 2 Maginnity Street$25,000180 Riddiford Street$25,000Wesley Methodist Church – 75 Taranaki Street$25,000Wellington Rowing Club – 29 Jervois Quay$50,000Total$508,000
All the buildings can be found on the Wellington heritage website, an online inventory of listed items, which provides history, images, architectural information, cultural value, and
additional details.
ENDS