Why is the building significant? What do the rules allow.
Built heritage assessments evaluate the cultural heritage significance of historic buildings, structures and the built fabric of heritage places — establishing what is significant, why it is significant and how that significance should inform decisions about alteration, development, conservation and management. In WA, built heritage assessments are required in a wide range of contexts: development applications affecting heritage-listed buildings, proposals to alter or demolish structures on the State Heritage Register or a local government heritage schedule, applications for exemptions or consents under the Heritage Act 2018, and conservation management planning for significant built places.
Trace Archaeology prepares built heritage assessments for property developers, building owners, architects, local governments and state agencies across the Perth metropolitan area and regional WA. Our assessments are prepared by qualified heritage professionals with expertise in WA's historic built environment — from colonial-era limestone buildings and Federation-era commercial premises to interwar workers' cottages, mid-century civic buildings and industrial heritage structures. We understand the full range of building types, construction methods and architectural styles represented in WA's built heritage and are experienced in assessing their significance under both the HERCON criteria and local government heritage frameworks.
Our built heritage assessments combine thorough archival research with detailed physical inspection of the building or structure — documenting its original design, construction history, subsequent alterations, current condition and the degree to which its significant fabric, character and setting have been retained. We assess significance across all relevant criteria, identify the key elements that contribute to or detract from significance and provide clear advice on what the assessment means for proposed works.
Where development or alteration is proposed, our assessments address the impact of the proposal on the significant fabric and character of the place — identifying what can be altered, what should be retained and what mitigation measures are available to reduce the heritage impact of unavoidable changes. We work constructively with architects and developers to find solutions that achieve the development objectives while maintaining the heritage values that matter most — and we engage with the State Heritage Office and local government heritage officers with the professional credibility and experience that comes from a strong track record of successful built heritage outcomes.
For owners of heritage-listed buildings seeking to understand their obligations and opportunities, Trace Archaeology provides plain-English advice on what the listing means, what consent processes apply and how to navigate them effectively.
Trace Archaeology is a division of Trace Enterprises — Perth's only fully integrated heritage, environmental and planning consultancy.
Every heritage and environmental project starts with the right conversation.
Whatever your heritage or environmental project needs, Trace Archaeology and Trace Ecology is ready to help. Talk to our team today — no obligation.