How To Apply

Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund logoEligibility

You can apply for a grant or low interest loan with the Melbourne Restoration Heritage Fund (MHRF) if:

  • you own a house or building in the City of Yarra
  • the house or building has recognised heritage significance – that is, it is subject to a Heritage Overlay (to find out whether your site is subject to a Heritage Overlay you can obtain planning information from Land Channel or contact Council on 9205 5373) 
  • any of the reconstruction work you plan to undertake is being done to original features only
  • the work has’t already commenced or been completed
  • the proposed work is visible from the street or being done in a publicly accessible part of the building, so the whole community benefits from the restoration

The building, structure or place may be for commercial, residential, industrial or public use.

The following work is not eligible for assistance from the MHRF: 

  • interiors
  • general maintenance
  • new additions or extensions (unless the reconstruction is of an original element).

Before you apply

Before you apply, it is necessary to determine the extent and type of work that is required to restore your building. Often this can require some research into the style and period of your building and whether there are any structures, finishes or features that previously existed that might need to be reinstated.

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) conducts courses and information sessions on how to research your building. For more information, contact the National Trust on 9654 4711.

You may have a general idea of the work you would like to undertake, however the expertise of a heritage architect will often be required to determine what work is most appropriate.

Obtaining quotes

Once you have a clear scope of the works, you will need to obtain quotations for the different stages of the work from appropriate trades people.

The quotes should provide as much detail as possible on the method, materials and extent of work.

In most cases, heritage restoration and reconstruction will require people with specialist skills. There are a number of trades people experienced in this area and Heritage Victoria maintains a list of heritage consultants and contractors which they can provide to you.

At least two quotes must be obtained for the proposed works. The two quotes and if necessary, a copy of the approved Planning Permit must be attached to the application form.

Applications

To apply for a grant or loan,  the following information is required:

  • a copy of the Certificate of Title for the property
  • copies of quotations
  • a summary of the stages of work
  • details of tradespeople for each stage
  • a photograph of the building in its existing condition
  • if necessary, a copy of the approved Planning Permit
  • a completed application form.

The MHRF Application Form is available here:

 doc format MHRF Application Form (34.50kB)

The amount of funding (grants and/or loans) that you are seeking as well as your contribution to the project also needs to be clearly stated on the application form.

Applications can be mailed to:

Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund
c/o Yarra City Council
PO Box 168
Richmond 3121

Or delivered in person to:

Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road
Richmond

How is the decision made?

Once you have made an application, the MHRF Conservation Consultant will make a detailed inspection of the building and, if necessary, discuss the project with yourself and the trades people who will be undertaking the work.

A report on the project and recommendation regarding the appropriate level of funding is made to the MHRF Committee of Management.

The MHRF Administrator will contact you when a decision has been made.

Further information
Liz Brant
Strategic Planner
9205 5332
Elizabeth.Brant@yarracity.vic.gov.au

 

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