The City’s mix of heritage buildings and houses are one of Adelaide’s most attractive and distinctive features. Nearly 20% of the City’s buildings are listed on heritage registers.
Adelaide City Council has worked to preserve and showcase the best examples of its architectural heritage, whether that is a modest inner city stone cottage, or an outstanding public edifice.
Since introducing its Heritage Incentive Scheme in 1988, Council has contributed over $2 million in grants to assist building owners restore important heritage properties. Some 1,500 property owners have benefited from this scheme.
The head of Council’s Heritage Services section, architect Paul Stark, stresses the benefits of the partnership for both individuals and the City.
“We understand the particular conservation needs of older buildings and we can tailor our services to meet the requirements of their owners,” he said.
“Heritage Services is committed to meeting the private and the community expectations of good planning and cultural heritage management of the City, not just for those who live here, but for those who work here and those who visit.”
Following significant grants from Adelaide City Council’s Heritage Incentives Scheme, two of the city’s most prominent historic buildings have recently been restored and preserved.
In the first of these landmark projects, Council provided grants and low interest loans totalling $680,000 to the owners of the 100 year old Beehive Corner Building.
The second major project was a joint investment totalling $200,000 made by Council and the owners of the elaborate and decorative West’s Coffee Palace in Hindley Street. It has recently been announced by ArtSA that the State’s principal funding body for the arts intends moving its headquarters into this building.
The move of ArtSA follows the lead of the Adelaide Arts Festival which has already moved its headquarters into another refurbished heritage building directly across the street.
