State Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, today announced that historic Wahroonga residence, Purulia, is the recipient of a $35,000 grant under the NSW Government Heritage Grants Program.

Designed by esteemed Sydney architect, William Hardy Wilson, and built from 1912-1913 at 16 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, Purulia was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

The grant will fund the costs of substantial conservation and maintenance works to both the house and garden, including:

• Removing faulty gutters and installing appropriate gutters and downpipes consistent with the original specification;
• Restoring damaged eaves soffits;
• Restoring deteriorated original wrought iron handrails;
• Demolishing an intrusive swimming pool and restoring the lawn, garden area and paving in a manner consistent with the original garden plans; and
• Removing large inappropriate trees in order to reinstate the garden and remove the threat of tree fall and damage to the house

“Looking after our heritage is everyone’s responsibility and local communities play an important role in maintaining heritage at a local level.” Mr Henskens said.“Reflecting the simplicity and integrity of colonial architecture rather than the more elaborate houses of the period, the design of Purulia was revolutionary for its time but it soon became a prototype for many North Shore homes. It is an outstanding example of Ku-ring-gai’s heritage and I am pleased that this grant will assist in protecting it for many years to come.”

The Heritage Grants Program is designed to help owners, custodians, managers and communities to know, value and care for their heritage. The 2019-21 grants saw $5.8 million awarded to 241 projects state-wide across three categories: Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, Caring for State Heritage and Community Heritage.

Minister for Heritage, Don Harwin, said protecting local heritage was an important step towards celebrating NSW’s history as a whole and maintaining a physical record of the past.

“Across NSW the Government is providing support for local heritage and indigenous groups, protecting important heritage items and ensuring communities maintain connection with their history” he said.

For more information about the projects and the NSW Government’s Heritage Grants, see https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/heritage/grants-and-funding.