Council grant helps restore historic Crows Nest building

A 105-year-old heritage building in Crows Nest will be restored with a little help from Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) heritage incentives scheme.

At its December Ordinary Meeting, Council approved a $10,000 grant that will go towards paying for the replacement of the front veranda of the much-loved Nolan’s Block building.

The Thallon Street building is a local landmark for the Crows Nest community.

TRC Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said the decision was a great outcome for the building’s owners but also the community.

“Our Region has so many heritage buildings and places that are significant and tell the story of who we are. It’s so important we preserve them to pass on to future generations,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.

“This grant will be put to good use helping to fund the reconstruction of the Nolan’s Block veranda in keeping with the original based on initial advice provided to the owner by Council’s Regional Heritage and Policy Architect.

“The original veranda was demolished then sympathetically reconstructed.

“It’s a priority for Council to ensure we maintain the distinct character of our Region’s towns and villages. It’s wonderful to see unique buildings like Nolan’s Block restored and able to be enjoyed by the community and visitors to the Region.”

Cr O’Hara Sullivan said the grants fund half of eligible applications up to a maximum Council contribution of $10,000 per project.

Since the scheme commenced Council has approved 19 applications, contributing almost $135,000 heritage conservation works.

“The scheme has a budget allocation of $60,000 for the 2021/22 financial year with only three applications received so far, so we’re really encouraging more owners to apply for grants under the scheme,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.

“Grants can be used for works around reinstating lost features that add character to heritage listed commercial buildings, urgent remedial work or to repaint buildings in their original colour schemes or a similar, pre-approved colour.”

The scheme is open to local and state listed heritage properties located within the areas identified in the Toowoomba city centre and town centres of Clifton, Crows Nest, Goombungee, Millmerran, Oakey, Pittsworth and Yarraman.

“This scheme is a great way to access financial assistance to make a significant contribution to maintaining and improving street facades and the Region’s heritage assets,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.

A complete list of eligibility criteria and exclusions can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/cbdheritageincentives