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Practical guides, policy updates, and expert commentary on the changing world of heritage. Essential reading for property owners, architects, and planners.


Modernism Matters: Reflecting on Perth’s Mid-Century Legacy
Heritage Workshop recently participated in a dynamic forum at the State Library of Western Australia, titled Modernism Matters: Architecture, Identity, and Innovation in WA. Dr James Lesh was an invited speaker alongside Stuart Harrison, Greg Howlett (COX Architecture), Dr Kate Hislop (UWA), and author Warren Andersen. The discussion focused on the architectural innovation of the 1950s to the 1970s—a period that fundamentally reshaped the Australian built environment.
Apr 272 min read


Adaptive Reuse: How Heritage Buildings Can Boost Commercial Value
Is heritage a constraint or a commercial asset? For developers in Melbourne, "Adaptive Reuse" is driving higher rents and better tenant retention. From the "embodied energy" benefits of keeping existing brickwork to the planning incentives offered by Councils (like height bonuses and parking reductions), discover why heritage buildings are outperforming glass boxes. Learn how Heritage Workshop helps developers balance conservation with commercial viability in creative office
Apr 223 min read


Book Review: Old North Melbourne by Fiona Gatt
Dr James Lesh reviews Fiona Gatt’s "Old North Melbourne," exploring how deep archival research recovers the complex nineteenth-century history of this inner-Melbourne suburb.
Apr 134 min read


Repainting Your Heritage Home? Here is What You Need to Know
This is what you need to know before you pick up a brush to paint your heritage home. Restoring or modernising your property’s exterior is a standard part of homeownership, but when heritage controls apply, a simple weekend job can quickly become a complex planning issue. In Victoria, most heritage homes fall under a municipial Heritage Overlay (HO) , administered through your local council or shire's planning scheme. If your property is within a Heritage Overlay and the sche
Apr 13 min read


Shaping Heritage Futures: The Strategic Framework Behind the 2026 City of Melbourne Heritage Strategy
Over two years, Heritage Workshop contributed across the development of the newly adopted City of Melbourne Heritage Strategy 2026. Read how our Next-Generation Conservation approach established the core framework for managing the municipality's diverse heritage.
Mar 263 min read


Do You Need a Heritage Impact Statement? (A Guide to Avoiding Council RFIs)
Integrating expert heritage advice de-risks your project and streamlines your planning permit application.
Mar 183 min read
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