This year’s round of heritage grants is now open for City of Subiaco residents looking to preserve or renovate their heritage listed properties.
The grants of up to $5000 provide funding for conservation works that are in public view and enhance and reveal the heritage significance of the property or to provide urgent conservation works required to stabilise a building.
One of last year’s grant recipients was Shelley Lewis. Shelley wanted to reinstate the bullnose verandah of 142 Hensman Road, Subiaco which was removed in the late 70s.
The property was originally a corner store, circa 1922.
“The property was in very poor condition and structurally unstable when I bought it in 2020,” Shelley said.
“The project involves extensive restoration of the original fabric, a reworking of the 1950s accommodation and the extension of the property to accommodate a garage and artist studio.
“To preserve this building we have concealed a steel skeleton within the walls and ceiling, injected microfine grout to the perimeter, restored jarrah floors and rebuilt walls using solid clay bricks, similar to the State Brick Works bricks originally used.
“It’s the verandah that has generated the most interest from Subiaco locals who are really excited to see it restored.
“We have used tradespeople with heritage skills which has been particularly rewarding.
“The property is zoned ‘residential home store’ so excitingly, the corner store component will be reactivated as a commercial space when the build is complete.”
Visit the heritage grants program page to apply and follow Shelley’s restoration on Instagram.