This is the ideal starting point for any project. Preliminary advice is for anyone wanting to get a better understanding of what is involved in undertaking works to their heritage place or objects. We can assist those wanting to get the best out of their project, or seeking an independent review of an existing proposal.

Our advice is structured to provide context, statutory parameters, analysis and recommendations. A site visit is typically undertaken, along with historical research, and the advice provided in writing.

We are able to assist with the co-ordination and attendance at a pre-application meeting with Council and / or Heritage Victoria. Where provided, feedback is included in the written advice.

This service is complemented by our Heritage Impact Statement, planning permit and heritage permit services.

We can provide a wide range of technical services to identify, document and oversee the conservation, restoration and maintenance of your heritage asset.

Our consultants are experienced in conducting condition surveys and preparing conservation / repair schedules. Once produced, we can work with other professionals to develop construction documentation and produce specifications.

We can provide comprehensive assistance with all aspects of a permit application to Council and / or Heritage Victoria.

We can assist with the co-ordination and attendance at a pre-application meeting, provide support for a proposal with either a Letter of Support for minor works or a Heritage Impact Statement, prepare and co-ordinate the submission itself, respond to RFI’s and advertising matters, and assist with the satisfaction of permit conditions.

If a permit has been refused, we can act as an Expert Witness to support an appeal.

For complex matters, we can advise on appropriate permit strategies and liaise with Council and / or Heritage Victoria to ensure a positive outcome.  

A Heritage Impact Statement assists the responsible authority to determine the extent to which the application, if approved, would affect the cultural heritage significance of the heritage place or object. Heritage Impact Statements are required as part of permit applications to Council or Heritage Victoria.

When applying for a permit exemption request to Heritage Victoria, our team can deliver a Statement of Works to accompany the application.

To produce the Heritage Impact Statement or a Statement of Works, we undertake an initial review of the proposal and make recommendations to achieve a good heritage outcome. Once the recommendations are incorporated into the proposal, we will assess the works against the local or state heritage policies and good heritage practice, as informed by the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter, 2013 and other relevant sources. 

Through investigation and research, we can provide a thorough understanding of what is important about a heritage place or object.  This understanding provides guidance on proposed works, due diligence and / or opportunities and constraints. Typical investigations relate to determining the history of a place or identifying original or early paint finishes and decorative elements.

We have extensive experience in the assessment of significance for individual heritage places and precincts.

Whether at local, state or national level, we can provide a high-level opinion or an in-depth investigation and analysis to inform any proposed protection. We also provide peer reviews where a second opinion is sought.

We have the skills to assist in statutory situations where a wider study (heritage studies, thematic environmental history or built form review) is required to inform a proposed precinct, or to develop an understanding around a certain building typology.

Where a second opinion is required on a matter before Council, VCAT, Planning Panel or the Heritage Council we can undertake a peer review.

We have extensive experience assisting with heritage-related matters that go before VCAT, Planning Panel or the Heritage Council.

When approached to assist with such matters, a review of the proposal will be undertaken to determine if we can support the proposal going forward. Where we can, we will provide our expert opinion in our written evidence and deliver this opinion at the scheduled VCAT, Panel or Heritage Council hearing.

A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) identifies what is significant about a heritage place or object, notes its condition, and formulates policies to guide any future works. A CMP is an important management tool for owners and managers to understand, and plan works effectively to safeguard their heritage asset.

Our team of consultants are skilled in developing CMPs and related documents such as Action Plans and maintenance schedules. These documents can be applied to individual places or a complex of structures and are typically valid for five years.

We can assist owners or managers of a heritage place who are responsible for protecting and maintaining the significance of the place.  
 
Our heritage consultants can assist in establishing a maintenance program, undertake a masterplan exercise, or prepare a Conservation Management Plan.  We can provide Conservation Advice to ensure long-term management and protection of your valuable heritage asset.  
 
We are experienced with preparing nominations /objections to Council Heritage Overlays and / or the Victorian Heritage Register

This service can complement a proposal by others or by our own Investigation / Assessment / Studies.

We can provide a strategy to direct how an interpretation scheme can be developed and implemented. We can assist with the research and writing of content, sourcing historical images or drawings, design of the interpretation media, liaison with statutory bodies and oversee the installation.