Heritage Consultants - Historical Research, Buildings History, Conservation Plans & Assessments

Austin Heritage Consultants was established by Jennifer Austin in 2010. She has 14 years experience in the heritage conservation industry in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Jen specialises in buildings history research and the conservation of historic buildings.

Projects range from small, individual buildings in both rural and urban settings (such as houses, bothies, churches, cinemas, theatres and industrial buildings), to the investigation of large scale sites and landscapes (for example, large country houses, estates and conservation areas).

As each site and project is different, we are keen to help our clients with their individual needs and aim to manage every project via a professional and comprehensive approach. We are experienced in collaborative work with other professionals and frequently support larger projects.

Services

We specialise in buildings history research and the conservation of historic buildings and offer the following services:

Historical Research, Buildings History and Analysis
Would you like to know more about the history of your building or land? Using historical mapping and thorough archival research, we can help you trace the origin of your site and how it may have developed over the years into what you see today. We can also help you find out who may have lived in your property and the various uses it may have had over time.
Conservation Statements
Conservation Statements are often required by statutory authorities to support listed building consent and planning applications. They are also known as Heritage Statements and Heritage Assessments . The contents of a Conservation Statement may vary, depending upon the individual requirements for a property as part of the planning process. It will provide detailed information as to the historical development of a property, and this is usually combined with an Assessment of Significance. This type of assessment involves detailed documentary research, as well as physical analysis of the property. A significance assessment looks at the various aspects and levels of importance of a site.
Conservation Plans
A Conservation Plan is a detailed report that follows the general makeup of a Conservation Statement. However, a Conservation Plan builds upon the foundation information of the historical development of the site and an assessment of significance and provides detailed guidelines, or policies, to assist in the appropriate use and conservation of the place.
Heritage Impact Statements and Assessments
Quite often, an authority may require the completion of a Heritage Impact Statement (or Heritage Impact Assessment) as a supporting document for planning and listed building consent. This report will look at the Historical Assessment and Assessment of Significance of the site and provide and evaluation of possible impacts of any proposed changes to a property, or possible impacts on a Conservation Area.
Conservation Area Assessments
Is your property located within a conservation area? Conservation areas are designated by authorities and usually have special requirements that are designed to protect the special historic character of the area. Whether your property is listed or not, you may be required to provide a report for your property to address its contribution towards, and impact upon, the character of an area if you propose to carry out work.
We are also able to assist with character area appraisals for conservation areas. Appraisals examine the historical development and significance of various elements of an area, from important views, to iconic buildings and key historical associations. Detailed analysis helps establish the special character of an area.
Interpretation Display Research
As part of our historical research services, we are able to tailor research for interpretive displays for historic sites, museums and exhibitions and are happy to work in collaboration with other professionals.