The historic fabric of Christchurch comprises both heritage listed and non-listed character buildings in both residential and commercial use. City Plan Listed Heritage Buildings and Items are protected by the rules set out in the City Plan and entitled to grants for internal and external repairs and maintenance under the Heritage Incentive Grants Policy. Listed heritage, however, makes up a small proportion of the older housing stock that contribute to the character and heritage of the city.
In March 2004 the Council resolved to provide grant funding towards the external maintenance of pre-1945 character houses to assist in their retention and continuing contribution to the residential amenity and identity of their local areas. The Character Housing Maintenance Grants fulfil an important role in the retention of non-listed heritage buildings which contribute to the character and heritage of Christchurch.
The Christchurch City Council established the Character Housing Maintenance Grants to provide grant funding towards the external maintenance of pre-1945 character houses to assist in their retention and continuing contribution to the residential amenity and identity of their local areas.
Council decision following Canterbury Earthquake
Prior to the 4 September 2010 earthquake the Character Housing Maintenance Grants were on hold whilst the policy was under review. Following the 4 September 2010 earthquake the remaining fund from 2010/11 was directed toward the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Fund.
The Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Fund was set up following the 4 September 2011 earthquake to help in the restoration and strengthening of character and heritage buildings damaged during the Canterbury earthquake 2010 and the Christchurch earthquake of February 2011.
Council continues to offer heritage advice at no charge to the building owner, recognising the importance of this as an incentive for heritage protection.
If you have further questions on the Character Housing Maintenance Grant Fund please contact Katie Smith (03) 941 8999 .
The Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Fund
The purpose of the Fund is to provide assistance to owners of heritage buildings to repair damage caused by the Canterbury Earthquake of 4 September 2010 and associated aftershocks. Funding will be targeted at the gap between insurance cover, and the actual cost of repairs and associated works including conservation works, structural upgrading and Building Code compliance works.
