Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith and Roza Sage MP, Member for Blue Mountains welcomed today’s announcement by Rob Stokes, Minister for Heritage that the heritage of Penrith/Blue Mountains will benefit from a grant of $74,000 awarded through the NSW Government’s Heritage Grants program.
The grant is just one of 214 being awarded to new heritage projects today by the NSW Government, totalling $4.3 million.
“The NSW Heritage Grants program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to private owners, councils and community based organisations to maintain and improve their heritage assets,” Stuart Ayres said.
“I’m delighted that a grant of $74,000 has been awarded to Blue Mountains City Council for its Mitchell’s Pass Precinct (Lennox Bridge Refurbishment) project.
Roza Sage said “The grant has been awarded through the flagship Major Works Program, which is designed to assist owners and managers of State Heritage Register-listed items to restore and reuse their properties.
“Lennox Bridge is the oldest stone-arched bridge on the Australian mainland. Constructed from 1832-1833, the bridge was designed by Scottish stone-mason, David Lennox, and built using convict labour.
“It was a necessary part of the road communications between Sydney and the West for more than a century and proved remarkably durable. The bridge, built on a horseshoe curve, was daring, experimental and remarkably attractive; despite significant restoration work in 1976 the structure has retained a high degree of its original fabric and is in good condition.”
The grant will be used to:
Remove graffiti;
- Strengthen cracks in the stonework and replace severely cracked stones;
- Install interpretive signs to increase public appreciation of the significance of Lennox Bridge;
- Carry out bush regeneration, drainage and paving works; and
- Install CCTV equipment.
In November last year, the NSW Government pledged $6.5 million for heritage and conservation grants over the next two years.
The NSW Government recognises and celebrates the important role that our State’s diverse heritage plays in creating a shared understanding of our cultural history.
We are committed to caring for places of heritage significance and supporting projects which protect our heritage while adapting sites for new uses.
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, welcomed the NSW Government funding for the refurbishment of the historic Lennox Bridge. “This project is a worthy investment in the rich heritage of the Blue Mountains, ensuring the significance of Lennox Bridge is preserved for future generations and enhancing the visitor experience of the Mitchell’s Pass heritage precinct.”
