Preserving Heritage with Modern Compliance

Heritage properties hold intrinsic value to communities, encapsulating cultural and historical significance. When it comes to maintaining these symbols of the past while ensuring modern safety and compliance, a delicate balance must be struck. At 65 Kent Street, Rockingham, an esteemed Category B Heritage Place, a meticulous approach has been adopted to uphold this balance. The property, listed on the City of Rockingham’s Municipal Heritage Inventory and the State Heritage Register, is undergoing critical safety works. These include the careful removal and replacement of the rear section of the roof, originally installed in the 1960s and now affected by asbestos. The property owners have engaged our team to develop a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) to ensure that the proposed works adhere to the guidelines outlined in the City of Rockingham’s Local Planning Policy 3.3.21 - Heritage Development and Design (LPP3.3.21).

LOCATION

Rockingham, Western Australia

DATE

October 2024

DEPARTMENT

Heritage

Securing Heritage Approval: Compliance While Preserving Character in Rockingham


Navigating essential repairs and compliance upgrades on a heritage-listed property can be a daunting process. Property owners often face the challenge of meeting modern standards without compromising the historic fabric that gives a site its unique character.

This case study focuses on the proposed works at a key heritage property in Rockingham, addressing necessary safety upgrades while meticulously ensuring the preservation of its aesthetic and cultural value.

The Challenge: Modern Compliance vs. Heritage Preservation


The project involved addressing essential maintenance for the property, specifically the removal and replacement of existing roofing materials.

Our comprehensive Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) for the proposed works at the property (formerly 65 Kent Street) concluded that the changes would not adversely impact the property's heritage significance. We demonstrated that the replacement of the existing asbestos corrugated sheeting with a modern, safe, white Colorbond sheeting would maintain the aesthetic harmony of the building.

Crucially, the iconic red tiles, which are a significant and identifiable feature contributing to the property’s visual appeal, will remain untouched, successfully preserving the core character and heritage value of the site.

The Pathway to Approval: Expert Assessment and Policy Alignment


As expert planning consultants, our detailed assessment confirmed that the proposed works fully align with the heritage conservation objectives set by the City of Rockingham.

Our meticulous approach ensures compliance with specific local planning policies, such as the stipulations of the LPP3.3.21. This demonstration of policy adherence is often the critical step that bridges the gap between the need for essential progression and the commitment to safeguarding the property’s historical legacy.

Conclusion: Bridging Preservation and Progression


Our expertise in conducting Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) and crafting robust Heritage Impact Statements is pivotal in facilitating these necessary projects. We pride ourselves on our role as effective stewards of heritage conservation, allowing essential maintenance to proceed swiftly.

By ensuring that valuable heritage properties can safely meet modern compliance standards without loss of character, we contribute to the ongoing narrative of our shared cultural heritage.

Do you require a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) or guidance on securing development approval for a heritage property? Contact us today to discuss how we can streamline your project.

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