Want to makeover your heritage property? Before you paint your façade the latest trendy colour, find out what makes Melbourne’s historic buildings so special, and if you’re eligible for a grant.
Beautiful heritage buildings help make our city a great place to live, work and visit, so we have contributed $600,000 to a multi-year heritage funding program to help people keep them looking tip-top.
A little restoration work can go a long way to transform your building and keep it in great condition for years to come. But do you know your tuck-pointing from your parapets?
Here are six common heritage features to look out for on Melbourne streets.
Tuck-pointing
When two colours of mortar are used to give the impression of very fine brickwork joints. As well as looking beautiful, tuck-pointing can extend the life of a wall.
Polychromatic brickwork
When bricks of different colours are arranged in a pattern to highlight architectural features. Paint may need to be removed to reveal the beauty of this stunning brickwork, which originated in the 1860s.
Decorative keystones
The wedge-shaped stone piece at the apex of a masonry arch, such as a door or window. For decoration, keystones (also known as capstones) are often made larger than what is structurally required.
Parapets
An extension of a wall beyond the edge of a roof, such as a guardrail, terrace, balcony or walkway. A parapet was originally used to defend buildings from attack.
Decorative cornices
The decorative trim where a wall meets a roof or ceiling. Cornices originated in Greek and Roman architecture and can be found on the inside and outside of buildings.
Pediments
A decorative gable, usually positioned above a doorway or window and triangular in shape.. Pediments are most often found in classical and neoclassical architecture.
If you own a heritage building in the City of Melbourne, located within a heritage overlay, you can apply for funding year round.
The works you have in mind must be visible from the public realm.
We’ve also launched a special funding stream for landmark properties, and those that belong to or are leased by not-for-profit, charity or community groups.
To find out more, visit Heritage grants.
