Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Preserving our local history

The historic streetscape of Nelson Place, Williamstown is being transformed to its original early 1900s glory through a groundbreaking verandah reconstruction project. The Nelson Place heritage precinct is one of Victoria's best preserved early 19th century commercial precincts and is an iconic part of the landscape, economy and identity of Hobsons Bay. Unfortunately all of the original verandahs on the 30 buildings were removed in the 1970s.

The Nelson Place Heritage Verandah Project is reconstructing the heritage verandahs by offering property owners/tenants of the historic buildings a grant for up to half of the price of a new verandah and a low interest loan for the remainder of the cost. Council is also providing fast, free and easy approval of permits, construction drawings and technical advice and support.

To date, eight verandahs have been constructed and it is hoped a further six verandahs will be completed by the end of 2007.

The Nelson Place Heritage Verandah Project is being run by Hobsons Bay City Council through the State Government's Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund.

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