Incentives given to revitalise buidings

TWO historic and heritagelisted buildings in the Toowoomba region will be revitalised thanks to more than $18,000 in incentives from the council.

Councillors yesterday approved applications under the CBD Heritage Incentives policy for the old Crows Nest Post Office on Curnow St and the St Luke’s Church Hall on Herries St in Toowoomba City.

The works will involve a new paint job for each of the buildings by their respective owners.

Under the incentives scheme, applicants are able to earn financial support to cover upkeep works on specific buildings of historical significance, with the current rate at a dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.

While the church hall would retain the same colour scheme under the works, the old post office’s colours would be changed slightly to reflect the branding of the building’s current tenant Ray White.

“Though there is a historic connection in relation to Crows Nest and the proposed colour, with Ray White being founded in Crows Nest, the regional heritage and policy architect has recommended a more subdued tone of the yellow colour, to better address State Heritage expectations,” the council report said.

Cr Carol Taylor said she supported the recommendation of the paler shade of yellow, as did Cr Kerry Shine.

Cr Rebecca Vonhoff voted against the motion.

Since both properties are heritage-listed buildings, the works will also require approval from the State Government.