Trethowan Heritage

Trethowan Heritage Heritage consultants specialising in Victoria's historic built environment.

19/08/2026

Successful heritage projects begin with understanding.

A place is Heritage significance, whether recognised at a World Heritage, state or local level, can influence design development, approvals, procurement, programming, and project delivery.

When project teams understand both wire is significant and what contributes to that significance, they are better equipped to balance conservation outcomes with client objectives.

Heritage consideration should be embedded in early design, planning, budgeting, documentation, procurement and construction methodologies from the outset.

Good heritage planning is not an optional extra. It is a practical project management tool that reduces uncertainty, improve improves decision-making and helps deliver successful outcomes for clients, stakeholders, and the heritage asset itself.

Comment or DM “heritage” so we can reach out to you and discuss your heritage site and needs OR see the link in our bio to get a better understanding of the benefits of early heritage planning in your project.

A wonderful occasion to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of St Michael’s Uniting Church on 2 August, marking a new chapter...
06/08/2026

A wonderful occasion to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of St Michael’s Uniting Church on 2 August, marking a new chapter in the life of this historic place (VHR-H0004).
As Rev. Salesi Faupula noted during the plaque unveiling, heritage is about honouring the past while embracing the future. Trethowan Heritage is proud to have been chosen to support the revitalisation project as heritage consultants, helping ensure St Michael’s continues to welcome visitors, share its rich history, and build its ongoing legacy.
Congratulations to Uniting Church in Australia, the St Michael's Church Melbourne team, and the wider project team on this achievement.

Melbourne at its best. ❤️Our team enjoyed exploring Open House Melbourne  before attending last night's Heritage Address...
28/07/2026

Melbourne at its best. ❤️

Our team enjoyed exploring Open House Melbourne before attending last night's Heritage Address, where the engaging Robyn Annear shared fascinating stories about the formative history of Melbourne's iconic laneways.

Open House Melbourne Heritage Council Of Victoria

Every recommendation begins with research…Recently we provided heritage advice for the proposed activation of the former...
08/07/2026

Every recommendation begins with research…
Recently we provided heritage advice for the proposed activation of the former Australian Estates Wool Store in West Footscray as a venue for community, arts and cultural events, which called for a visit to the State Library of Victoria’s archives before heading out to site!

This substantial factory was constructed in 1940 for the major wool brokers, Australian Estates, by Stuart Bros Pty Ltd, who had already built a number of wool stores in Australia at that time. It was provided with a siding from the nearby Tottenham rail yards to serve the building and the neighbouring wool store, which can still be seen on site today.

Drawings held in the State Library’s collection document alterations and additions to the building by architects Marcus Martin and Stephen Dorling, including a metal cantilever verandah to the eastern elevation in 1958 and internal alterations to first floor offices in 1963.

The Wool Store eventually ceased operation for the Australian Estates and transitioned to the base for several smaller wool brokers, including the Australian Wool Commission and Watswool Pty. Ltd, before shutting in the 1990s.

Images:
1. View of The Australian Estates Wool Store from Sunshine Road c. 1950 (Source: State Library of Victoria)
2. Remains of the later ‘Watswool Brokers’ sign, thought to conceal the former ‘Australian Estates’ lettering beneath
3. Perspective sketch of the proposed metal awning by Martin + Dorling, June 1958
4. First floor alterations by Martin + Dorling, July 1963
5. Interior of the Wool Store building today. The remaining former internal office floor plates and structure can be seen to the right
6. Remnant railway siding from the Tottenham rail yards

Did you catch the Australia v. Turkey game at Fed Square last weekend? Federation Square is not just a meeting place; it...
18/06/2026

Did you catch the Australia v. Turkey game at Fed Square last weekend?

Federation Square is not just a meeting place; it is also a State-listed heritage place, recognised for bringing diverse communities together through moments of celebration, grief, and protest. Heritage places don’t have to be ‘old’ to be significant, and Fed Square is valued for the role it continues to play in Melbourne’s public life.

When you attend the next match this Saturday, take a moment to appreciate one of Victoria’s most valued public squares and join the crowd in backing the Socceroos all the way!

Photo credit: CommBank Socceroos

The Department of Transport and Planning has just this last week published Victorian Local Heritage Guidelines (May 2026...
05/06/2026

The Department of Transport and Planning has just this last week published Victorian Local Heritage Guidelines (May 2026). The guidance provides a framework for assessing local heritage values and determining whether places meet the threshold of local heritage significance. Of particular importance, the guidelines formalise a step test to establish thresholds of significance at the local level similar to that used at the state level.

Nothing beats a sunny site visit to a beautiful Italianate mansion in Hawthorn! The former residence was constructed in ...
01/06/2026

Nothing beats a sunny site visit to a beautiful Italianate mansion in Hawthorn!

The former residence was constructed in 1893 and its design is attributed to Francis Coote, of the architectural practice Beswick and Coote. Later additions were undertaken by Ussher and Kemp in 1904. The two-storey building is symmetrically planned with a double-storey arcade supported by Corinthian columns. The interior is a mixture of Victorian and Edwardian styles.

The visit was the first stage of the documentation process to develop a Schedule of Conservation Works that will inform and direct future repair and conservation works.

Collaborating with the client and their architect to assist with the Heritage Victoria permit application process.


Address

2/696 Bourke Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Trethowan Heritage posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Trethowan Heritage:

Shortcuts

Share