Northern Beaches Council is offering up to $3000 to eligible owners of heritage buildings to help fund preservation and maintenance works.

The works must be approved and completed before applying for a grant and the allocation must not exceed 50 per cent of the total project cost. The buildings must be listed in the Manly, Pittwater and Warringah Local Environmental Plans as items of significance.

Mayor Michael Regan said heritage buildings connect communities with the past and are a rich store of history.

“It is important to take steps to care for and preserve them. The grants will help do this by financially supporting owners who have undertaken preservation works.”

Projects that may be eligible for a grant include:

• Repairs to structural components such as underpinning walls and repointing brickwork
• Repainting of external walls of buildings
• Repairing or reinstating walls, windows, verandahs, external balustrades, roof cladding or plumbing and decorative elements of buildings
• Repairing historic fences, drainage and bridge structures

Priority is given to works which save buildings from deterioration.

Applications are now open and should include:

• a completed application form
• proof of approval for works undertaken
• evidence of costs (invoices and receipts)
• plans/sketches and photographs before and after the works.

Applications must be submitted to Council by 5pm on Wednesday, 31 March.

If you think you may be eligible visit our website and download an application form or contact Council’s Heritage Planner on 1300 434 434 for more information.