The activation of under utilised spaces such as upper floors, often in heritage buildings, has created affordable and interesting spaces which are proving popular for many commercial and creative activities.

Heritage Perth is the proud to be a key partner of Spacemarket, an online interface for the exchange of floor space across central Perth. Spacemarket seeks to stimulate inactive and under-utilised spaces in city buildings by pairing non-tenanted spaces with people who have a desire to use them.

Spacemarket is seeking to reactivate the city’s disused spaces to provide sustainable and affordable accommodation for businesses that have not previously attempted to secure inner-city locations. The project is thus helping to create a more vibrant and attractive urban environment for the benefit of the city as a whole.

In a society that is increasingly concerned about sustainability and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, the conservation and use of older buildings can play a significant role in achieving sustainable urban environments through reductions in the emissions by energy saving and reduction in refuse. Heritage buildings not only contribute to our quality of life by adding character and a sense of place to our landscapes, they also play a significant role in creating a sustainable future for our planet.

Spacemarket is a not-for-profit organisation that offers its service free to all users. If you are a property owner or managing agent and have underutilised empty space or if your business is looking for a space in the city visit http://www.spacemarket.com.au/and contact the Spacemarket team.

Following extensive research, archaeologist Gaye Nayton has penned WA’s first book on the State’s archaeological heritage –“The Archaeology of Market Capitalism”.

In order to celebrate the publication of the first book on the archaeology of Western Australia, we are giving you the chance to win a signed copy of Gaye’s book.

To enter the competition, simply send an e-mail to info@heritageperth.com

Entry closes Friday 12 August 2011.  The first name out of the hat wins the book.   Winners will be contacted and announced in the Spring Heritage Perth Newsletter.

The Heritage Perth June 2011 Newsletter is now on the streets!

Packed full of news items, forthcoming events and short articles, this publication is a must for anyone interested in the heritage of Perth.

To download an electronic copy, please click here [PDF: 711 KB]

Every Monday morning at around 7.15 am, Executive Director of Heritage Perth, Richard Offen, joins ABC 720′s ‘Breakfast’ program presenter Eoin Cameron to talk about the heritage of Perth and Western Australia.

Each week Eoin and Richard chat about some aspect of our history and heritage.   So far the topics have ranged from early Swan River Colony buildings to Perth’s public monuments and from churches to pubs and inns …you just never know what’s coming next!

Tune in to ABC 720 every Monday morning at 7.15, or listen to the podcast of each week’s heritage slot by clicking here and going to the 720 Breakfast web page.

Eoin's eyes glaze over as Richard Offen goes into full spate on his favourite subject, the Bell Tower ...Brad looks on totally bemused!

The second annual Heritage Perth Heritage Days, an initiative of Heritage Perth – a not-for-profit agency dedicated to raising awareness of Perth’s social and architectural history, was considered a resounding success.

An estimated 10,000 people converged on the streets, gardens, buildings, parks, cathedrals, museums, libraries and hotels of central Perth yesterday to celebrate our heritage.

From the gentle amble of the Settlers Valley Clydesdales pulling their cart packed with passengers experiencing what transport was like in days gone by, to booked out tours of The Maj and the beautifully reordered St Mary’s Cathedral, locals and visitors alike relished the opportunity to explore the various locations and activities available to the public.

 Once again the Fire and Emergency Services Education and Heritage Centre played host to nearly a thousand people while several thousand joined the tours of Government House, including the rarely seen cellars, and gardens.

The addition of ANZAC House this year with its display of military vehicles, memorabilia and performances from military bands was a welcome opportunity for people to commemorate the achievements and sacrifices of our returned service personal.

Another new venue in this year’s program was the inclusion of the Cultural Centre near the State Library. Celebrating our history going back many thousands of years before colonization, world renowned artist Richard Walley OBE performed with Middar Theatre and the Pioneers Bush Band paid homage to the settlers music of days gone by.

There was over 30 venues and 100 activities making Heritage Perth Heritage Days Perth’s biggest ever heritage event. Richard Offen – Executive Director of Heritage Perth said “We are thrilled that the second event has been another historical success and that so many people took the opportunity to explore the fascinating history the City of Perth. It is our city and our heritage.”

We thank our sponsors and the people of Perth for their support and enormous interest in Perth’s heritage: we could not have done it without you!

HERITAGE PERTH HERITAGE DAYS 2010 – HISTORY REMEMBERED!

Heritage Days 2011 will be held on 12/13 November, so book the days in your diary NOW!

Here are some photographs which capture the activities that took place over the weekend: