Seven local heritage properties will share in $30,000 from Wollongong City Council to protect and restore their historic buildings. 

This week Council announced the seven successful recipients of the annual Local Heritage Grants. The winners were chosen by the sub-committee of the Wollongong Heritage Advisory Committee after carefully assessing all applications in accordance with the established criteria in Council’s Financial Assistance Policy.

The annual program aims to provide financial assistance to owners of heritage properties who undertake conservation and maintenance to ensure the heritage list protects those items and places that are truly significant to the historic development of Wollongong.

Director of Planning and Environment, Andrew Carfield said the grants are just one way Council is working to conserve those items and places that are important to the historic development of Wollongong.

“As a result of the grants, the facade of a Federation shop in west Crown Street will be restored and  a prominent building in Corrimal Street currently occupied by a community organisation can be restored to be a true historical reflection of the city centre,” Mr Carfield said.

“Private residences including “Interbane” in Stanwell Park will receive a fresh coat of paint and the Berkeley Pioneer Cemetery volunteers will receive funding towards the restoration of missing cast iron fencing.”

“All of the restorations and maintenance raise community awareness and promote heritage conservation in the community and add to the character of our City,” said Mr Carfield.

Council is committed to the ongoing protection of the city’s heritage and we encourage interested residents to consider applying for the 2011/12 grants when they are advertised in mid next year.