Perth Voice Interactive

OWNERS of rundown heritage buildings on Barrack Street may get some financial support from Perth city council after all.

The new $135,000 plan is a watered down version of one rejected two weeks ago by Perth city councillors, which would have seen ratepayers stump up $321,000 towards repairs, with owners pitching in another $1m.

Cr Reece Harley had been the only councillor in favour of the spend and this week he fronted the planning committee to keep pressing the case, arguing it was well within budget, met the council’s heritage policy rules (adopted last year) and was supported by the city architect and planning chief.

His suggestion his colleagues may have rejected the spend out of “confusion” was given short shrift by committee chair Rob Butler, who said, “we won’t go there”.

Crs Butler and Judy McEvoy suggested a $135,000 compromise: owners can no longer apply to hide modern appliances such as air conditioners which are considered to ruin heritage character and the council likely won’t pay $150,000 for an etched glazing displaying the original (now removed) facade of the Commonwealth bank building, at least for now.

The full council will vote on the more frugal heritage spend at its next meeting.

by DAVID BELL