Two Heritage Fund Applications Granted
Published on 29 June 2022
The Waitaki Heritage Fund is proud to support the applications from McRae’s Woolshed and Stone Stockyards and the Ōamaru Squash and Badminton Club for the Union Bank Building on Tyne Street in its latest grant announcement.
McRae’s Woolshed and Stone Stockyards were built in the 1870’s. To ensure the long-term survival, the structures require roof, gutter, and door replacements along with structural and stonework to repair damaged walls.
New owner, Georgie McGregor was happy with how easy the application process was. “Heather Bauchop (Heritage Advisor) has been really approachable and extremely practicable in making it work for us as it can be quite daunting applying for funding. It was all online and you can come back to it, so it was a really easy process”.
Located on Nenthorn Road, the woolshed and yards are visible from the road on the circuit from Waikouaiti to Macraes via Ramrock Road. This combined with the community support and the site representing community heritage it was agreed the site is worthy of preservation with the Heritage fund committee granting $30,000 toward the repairs.
Georgie also plans to provide site information. “We are also intending to add interpretation signage on the side of the road for visitors to learn more about this historical site”.
The committee has also granted $9,000 to for the former Union Bank of Australia on Tyne Street (owned by the Ōamaru Squash and Badminton Club) to commission important heritage and detailed seismic assessments. This is the first stage of a larger project with the assessments providing information for structural strengthening and future alterations.
Opened in 1879, the Union Bank building is an early example of the “Venetian palazzo style” and a symbol of Ōamaru’s growing prosperity. These days, it is a Category 1 historic place in a recognised central location in need of repair.
The next round of applications opens from Friday 1st July 2022 and close Wednesday 14th September 2022. We encourage you to contact Heritage Advisor, Heather Bauchop prior to putting in an application: hbauchop@waitaki.govt.nz or on 03 433 0330
If you would like to read more about the Waitaki Heritage Fund, you can read about it HERE.
Photo Credit: Georgie McGregor