As EPRA operate in inner city areas with a rich cultural and built history, heritage is always an important development consideration. Our Act & Scheme requires us to enhance and conserve the heritage significance of our project areas and compile and maintain a list of heritage places, called a Heritage Inventory.

We work closely with archaeologists and heritage consultants, including the Heritage Council of WA, to assess items within our project areas and assist with their adaptive reuse wherever possible. Under Section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972), we identify items or locations of Aboriginal cultural significance through consultation, and seek permission from the Minister for Indigenous Affairs prior to conducting any redevelopment.

EPRA's comprehensive Heritage Planning Policy was developed to streamline this procedure. It helps identify the best ways buildings with heritage and historical merit can be adapted for 21st Century purposes and meet current residential or commercial safety standards.

What is Heritage?
Heritage is what we inherit and pass on to our future generations. It shapes our present identity and provides insight into the past. Enabling this requires research, engagement, education, stewardship and conservation.

Heritage Case Studies
Case Study 1: Union Bakery, Lindsay Street
This is an award-winning example of adaptive reuse. The former Union Bakery was in disrepair when EPRA took on the building as its office complex. Much of the building's heritage was conserved (including the original timber ceiling, oven arches and parts of the steel floor) to create a modern, comfortable working environment, using environmentally sustainable design.

Case Study 2: East Perth Foreshore, Claisebrook Village
There are currently 10 sites within the EPRA Redevelopment Area recognised by the Department of Indigenous Affairs as places of Aboriginal Heritage significance. This includes camp sites, meeting places and artefacts with cultural, ceremonial and mythological relevance to the local Aboriginal people.

EPRA consults with the Department of Indigenous Affairs to identify, conserve and/or recognise sites or artefacts. For example:

• An old river gum, Yoondoorup Boorna, was used as a hiding place for goods and messages by those who once camped there. The trunk was treated and returned to the site at the request of the Noongar people and now stands as a striking feature of the art heritage walk.
• The area along the riverbank at Victoria Gardens has been renamed Ngango Batta's Mooditcher, translated as 'Sunshine's Living Strength' - a place of hope and friendship for Aboriginal people.

Related Information