Grants Scheme for Central City Heritage Buildings

This item was published on 05 Jul 2013.

The DCC now has $90,000 available in grants for heritage building re-use projects in Princes Street and areas adjoining the Warehouse Precinct.

Like the Warehouse Precinct scheme, this new grant scheme is focused on a specific geographic area to facilitate and expand the regeneration occurring there already.

DCC Policy Planner – Heritage Dr Glen Hazelton says, “We have had good success with targeted incentive schemes in the Warehouse Precinct. Expanding into the areas around it recognises that the precinct is not an island, but is integrated with the areas around in and with the central city as a whole.

“There is already some great work stirring regeneration in the area and it is important we are also poised to assist and encourage others to participate in this regeneration of the area south of the Octagon.”

Applications can be made for support for a range of activities, from earthquake strengthening and façade restoration to assistance for businesses and creative industries in the area. The scheme allows building owners to build on the growing positive private sector re-use and investment in the area, such as the Chief Post Office, former BNZ and Standard Building restoration projects already or soon to be underway.

The scheme is supported by Resene Paints which is offering discounts on paint and free colour advice.

Resene Otago Trade Representative Henry Van Turnhout says, “We are proud to be offering our support to another DCC area-based project, as we have for King Edward Street and the Warehouse Precinct. We are also offering free assistance with colour selection as we recognise how greatly appropriate colour choice can influence the way a building - and an area - looks.”

Dr Hazelton says, “Taking an area-based approach to regeneration and incentives gets more work occurring in one area and stretches resources further. It also encourages businesses and building owners in an area to work together and to recognise the benefits for the entire area of re-using or improving their building. More activity benefits everyone in the area. In future years, we plan to use this approach in other parts of the central city and beyond.”

Applications are open immediately, on a first come first served basis. Application forms will be sent to building owners, residents and businesses owners in the next week and are at www.dunedin.govt.nz/heritage.

Last year’s Warehouse Precinct grants scheme supported 11 re-use projects in the area. Information about these is available at http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/whats-on/central-city-plan/warehouse-precinct-amenity-improvements-2012-2013/20122013-grant-recipients

Contact details:

Contact DCC Policy Planner – Heritage on (Dunedin )477 4000.