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Published on 22 February 2022
Refreshing an award-winning heritage colour scheme on the landmark AMP Building on Itchen Street and making the Loan and Mercantile Warehouse more accessible were the two projects funded by the Waitaki Heritage Fund. Council’s Grants and Awards Committee considered the two applications on Monday 22 February.
Keith Stevens, director of Tee One Properties, told the Committee that reproducing architect Ian Butcher’s 2011 NZIA Colour Award winning scheme cost more in scaffolding, paint, and labour than painting. In 2011, as part of a major project to refurbish the exterior, Butcher used photographs to guide the form, detail, and colour of the building. The Committee recognised the building as an Oamaru landmark and commended Stevens for taking such good care of it, granting them the $7401 extra cost for reproducing the paint scheme. The grant was made retrospectively, as the Waitaki Heritage Fund was closed when the building was painted.
Michelle Harrison, Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust’s treasurer, explained that a new accessible toilet in the Loan and Mercantile Building continued the Trust’s efforts to make the building more accessible, which saw a lift installed in 2019. Making heritage buildings accessible is key to attracting tenants, Carson said. The toilet cubicle has been designed to match the materials and design of the existing facilities so the heritage values of the building are looked after. In granting the project $5000, the Committee matched Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust’s own contribution.
Both buildings are Category 1 historic places on Heritage New Zealand’s List, and Category A items in the Waitaki District Council Heritage Appendix.
The next round of the Waitaki Heritage Fund opens for applications on 1 March. It will receive applications until 14 May. The Grants and Award Committee will consider any applications in June. Application forms can be found on the council website.
Pictured: Itchen street in the 1890s