Heritage Services
Coleman Architects provides a range of specialist heritage consulting services for the identification, development, conservation and management of heritage places, together with a full range of architectural services. As a result, we have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented when working with heritage buildings which we use to achieve effective outcomes for our clients.
Services
We have proven expertise in the following services:
Heritage Advice
Sound advice on the cultural heritage significance of a property, and the influence and potential impact of heritage controls on the use and development of the property, can be provided. Design parameters can also be developed to inform the design process.
We also provide advisory services to other architects and consultants to help develop the most appropriate design response compatible with heritage controls applicable to the property.
Heritage Assessments
Heritage Assessments can be undertaken to establish the heritage status of properties to assist in the proper planning for future use and development.
Conservation Management Plans
A Conservation Management Plan is a comprehensive document that establishes the significance of a heritage place and its component parts, provides an analysis of the physical condition of the heritage place, and sets out policies and strategies for its ongoing management. Often required by federal, state and local authorities prior to approving works to heritage places, a CMP underpins good conservation management and provides property owners with a guide to maintaining their property. In addition, it aids decision making when planning changes to a heritage place.
Heritage Impact Statements
A Heritage Impact Statement specifically addresses the potential impact of proposed changes to a heritage place or its immediate environment. They are often required by Heritage Victoria, local government and other authorities to accompany permit applications.
Heritage Advocacy and Permit Applications
Our experience and understanding of the approvals process with Heritage Victoria and local government enables us to assist owners of heritage buildings with the permit application process. We can also assist in the preparation of material required for Planning Panels, VCAT and the Victorian Heritage Council.
Heritage Interpretation
Interpretative material to illustrate the former uses and development of the heritage place, often required as a permit condition or as part of a Heritage Strategy, can be prepared, or co-ordinated, by this office.
Building Condition Assessment
Detailed assessment of the condition of the fabric of existing buildings from which schedules of conservation works can be prepared.
Conservation advice and documentation
Advice on appropriate methods of treatment and/or repair, documentation and recommendation of specialist consultants and tradespeople for conservation works to heritage buildings can be provided.
Heritage Strategies
Bodies such as Heritage Victoria often require a heritage strategy for permit approval. A heritage strategy provides a complete framework to identify, understand, manage and protect heritage places.
A comprehensive heritage strategy may include:
The identification of the significance of a heritage place and its components
An understanding of the implications of the identified significance of a place and its components
An understanding of the owner’s requirements and/or potential use for a heritage place
The development of design options for upgrading or adaptive re-use
Prioritised repair and restoration work
Archival recording of elements to be demolished or removed.
The management process for the future development and/or use of a heritage place to ensure its significance is not compromised.
The development of interpretation programs to illustrate the history and development of a heritage place.