A COUNCIL initiative aims to build on Kempsey’s rich architectural past to help shape the town centre’s post-bypass future.
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An incentive package offers building and business owners free advice and a reduction in red tape to restore architectural heritage features.
Kempsey Shire Council’s heritage adviser Stephen Booker will provide free consultation and draft enhancement drawings to local landlords interested in working on their buildings.
Mr Booker is a conservation architect, and runs Carste Studio, at Wallsend, Newcastle.
He has worked with the council once a month for the past seven years and is familiar with Kempsey’s architectural heritage.
“There’s a beauty of its own (in Smith St’s architecture,” Mr Booker said.
“I aim to show people there’s a heritage value and persuade building owners to try to peel away layers so people can see what has been hidden for years.
“It’s not nostalgia, it’s trying to make manifest the unique quality of this place and recreate a new identity based on the past.”
Smith St landlords Chris Mowle and Brian Irvine have applauded the council’s efforts to encourage restoration as major beautification work on Kempsey’s town centre draws closer.
Mr Mowle owns what has become known as the ‘NRMA building’, on the eastern side of the street.
“We understand and recognise that the brickwork (above the awnings) is something special, and we want to keep that,” he said.
“When council does upgrade it (the CBD) it will create a unique shopping experience that’s easy to get around and has a real feel to it.
“We don’t want to copy Bellingen, we want to get something better by retaining the heritage we do have.”
Mr Irvine said the council initiative could improve the value of buildings and the Smith St “landscape”.
“If we can get other building owners to do similar, then after the bypass we’ll have a really attractive town to visit,” he said.
Economic Sustainability manager Susannah Smith said the council’s incentive package included the waiving of development application fees and support for related paperwork, as well as the free consultation and draft drawings.
“We’ve had a very warm reception,” she said.
“One of the real eye-openers is that for very little cost, there can be huge gains to be made as regards the look and feel of Smith St.
“It’s about helping ourselves as a business community to have a truly Kempsey shopping experience that stands out from others and reminds people of the unique character of the ‘built heritage’, which is very rich and eclectic.”
For further information on the incentive package, contact Susannah Smith on 6566 3200.