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Historic Heritage in Albany


Discover the places that tell Albany’s story — from local community gems to state-listed icons.

Use the sections below to explore:

  1. How places are assessed and listed (Heritage List and Local Heritage Survey)

  2. What statutory protections apply (Heritage-protected places)

  3. How to propose changes or works to heritage places (Development works and Conservation Projects)

  4. The local heritage framework and how you can nominate a place (Historic Heritage Framework)

  5. Additional resources, references & guidance files

Heritage List Heritage-Protected Place Development Works Historic Heritage Framework Local Heritage Survey Conservation Projects References & Resources


Heritage List

The Heritage List is the official record of places within the City of Albany that are of local cultural heritage significance.

If you own or manage one of these places, you’ll find the entry (including the Statement of Significance) linked below.

City of Albany Heritage List

Albany’s historic places tell the stories of our community and culture. Many local properties are recognised for their heritage value, and the City works closely with owners to help conserve and adapt these places so they can continue to be lived in, used and enjoyed.


📝 At a glance

  • Check if your property is heritage listed:
    Search the inHerit database (WA Government) to find out if your property is on the City of Albany Heritage List or the State Register of Heritage Places.
  • Need approval?
    Development approval is required before works start on a heritage-protected place. Fees may be waived in some cases.
  • Get advice early:
    Book a Duty Planner appointment to discuss your proposal and receive preliminary advice, including heritage considerations.
  • Key resources:

City of Albany Heritage Development Application Checklist (PDF)

City of Albany Heritage Information Sheet (PDF)

DPLH Historic Heritage– State Government resources, technical guides and policies on conserving and managing heritage places

What is a heritage-protected place?

This is a place that has legal protection because of its cultural or historic value. It includes:

  • Places on the local Heritage List
  • Places within a designated Heritage Area
  • Places entered on the State Register of Heritage Places
  • Places under a Heritage Agreement or other statutory order

Because of this special status, if you are planning works (alteration, demolition, development) you must speak to the City first.


    Thinking of doing works on a heritage-protected place?

    You will generally need development approval for works on a heritage-protected place before starting construction, demolition, or major alterations.

    Examples of works that may require approval:

    • Demolition or removal of original building fabric

    • New additions or extensions

    • Alterations that change the exterior appearance

    • Significant internal works where heritage values are identified

    Works that may not require approval:

    • Minor maintenance and repairs (like-for-like)

    • Certain small-scale changes (check with the City first)

    👉 Tip: Always confirm with the City before starting works. Fees are waived where an application is required solely because the property is on the Heritage List.

    Before you lodge your application:

    For more substantial or complex proposals, the City may request a Heritage Impact Statement

    What goes in a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS)?

    • The existing Level of Significance of the place (Exceptional / Considerable / Moderate)
    • The place’s Statement of Significance (you can get this from the Heritage List)
    • A description of proposed works and why they are needed
    • Assessment of how the works might impact the original fabric or heritage values
    • How any impacts will be mitigated (materials, finishes, methods

    If your place is on the State Register:

    In some cases, your application will be referred to the Heritage Council of Western Australia or the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) for comment. Please include any formal advice you’ve already obtained.

    Ready to lodge?

    Use the link below to lodge your development application online - ensure all required plans and documentation are included. 

    Lodge a development application

    How we assess heritage places

    Every heritage place is given a “level of significance” to help us and the community understand how important it is in terms of heritage value.

    Level What it means
    Exceptional A place that is rare or outstanding and essential to the heritage of Albany.
    Considerable A place very important to Albany’s heritage.
    Some/Moderate A place that contributes to the heritage of Albany.
    Little A place that has some heritage value or community interest but makes a smaller contribution.

    Historic Heritage Framework

    State Register of Heritage Places

    The State Register of Heritage Places is the official list of places that represent the story of Western Australia’s history and development.

    There are over 90 places in Albany on the State Register, including individual sites within the Stirling Terrace Precinct.

    Places on the State Register are also identified in the City’s Heritage List and Local Heritage Survey as having a Level of Significance: Exceptional – Registered.

    The protection and conservation of these places are administered by the Heritage Council of Western Australia and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), in accordance with the
    Heritage Act 2018, Heritage Regulations 2019 and State Planning Policy 3.5 – Historic Heritage Conservation.

    Local Heritage Survey

    The Local Heritage Survey (LHS) identifies and records places of local cultural heritage significance across the City of Albany.

    Local Heritage Surveys help the City to:

    • recognise and record important heritage places;

    • make planning and development decisions that respect local heritage values;

    • provide a cultural and historical record of the district; and

    • maintain a publicly accessible record of significant places.

    Places listed only on the Local Heritage Survey (and not on the Heritage List) are not heritage-protected places under planning law.
    However, the City encourages the conservation and adaptive reuse of these places wherever possible, as they contribute to the community’s shared history and character.

    For advice on proposed works to a place listed on the Local Heritage Survey, please contact the Development Services team.

    Want to nominate a place?
    If you know of a place in Albany you believe has heritage significance — but it’s not yet listed — you can submit a nomination via our online form. The nomination will be considered for inclusion in the Local Heritage Survey, which informs the Heritage List.

    Nominate a Place

    Once listed on the Local Heritage Survey, a place may be progressed onto the Heritage List if it meets the required significance criteria.

    References and Resources

    City of Albany heritage documents:

    The City of Albany adopted its current Heritage List and Local Heritage Survey in October 2020, that identify and describe places that contribute to the history and cultural heritage significance of the locality. The List and Survey, along with other documents guide conservation planning and decision-making

    Local Planning Policies relating to heritage

    Local Planning Policy 1.4 – Heritage Protection Policy

    Local Planning Policy 4.1 – Albany Historic Town Design

    Other local historic heritage documents and resources:

    Thematic framework

    Local heritage surveys and previous municipal heritage inventories are informed by a thematic framework. The City of Albany thematic framework is currently under review.

    The current thematic framework from 2000 is available to view as part of the previous City of Albany Municipal Heritage Inventory Review. 

    Albany Local Thematic Framework

    Albany Municipal Heritage Inventory

    MHI Review 2000 - Introduction and Background
    Inner Albany Areas A-M
    Inner Albany Areas P-Z
    Outer Albany Areas

    State heritage related documents and resources:

    • Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015
    • Heritage Act 2018 
    • SPP3.5 
    • DPLH Historic Heritage website – Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage guidance, including conservation principles, technical advice, and policies for works to heritage places

    Other external heritage & history reference material and guidance:

    • National Trust of Western Australia
    • Burra Charter – Australia ICOMOS

    Contact Us

    💬 Need help? Our Duty Planner service is available to support you with preliminary advice on planning proposals, including heritage considerations.

    Book online: Duty Planner appointments
    Phone: (08) 6820 3040
    Office: 102 North Road, Albany (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)

    We encourage you to get in touch early — working together helps achieve the best outcomes for both property owners and Albany’s heritage. 

     


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