Heritage Grant Fund open for applications

Published on 21 March 2023

Drews Ave heritage buildings

Whanganui District Council is calling for applications to its Heritage Grant Fund. The third funding round for the year is open and closes at the end of May 2023.

The fund provides assistance to building owners to undertake heritage enhancement work. Council heritage advisor, Scott Flutey, has seen a transformation of the city’s heritage buildings and is excited that the grant now covers the wider Whanganui district, not just the town centre as it originally did.

“We’ve been able to support some great community work in Whanganui’s town centre in recent years, and we welcome expressions of interest from across the district if a project might have community heritage value”.

In 2021 the criteria was expanded so that heritage projects outside the town centre that show substantial benefits to the community are applicable. Privately-owned buildings are eligible for funding, as are council and crown-owned buildings which are in community use.

The grant can be used for external works that enhance the historic character of a heritage site.

For projects up to $15,000, applicants can be considered for up to 80 percent funding towards the total cost of the project; while for projects above $15,000, owners can apply for up to 50 percent towards the total cost of the project. Funding applications must be made before work commences and the project must be completed within 12 months of funding approval.

There are three rounds each year for the Heritage Grant Fund. These are held in July–September, November–January and March–May.

For more information and to apply for the Heritage Grant Fund, visit the council’s Heritage Grant Fund page.

 

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