Assessing and managing social significance
Since the early 1990s, concepts of communal attachment to heritage places derived from experience and practice have achieved wide-spread levels of recognition.
Research & Projects
The Heritage Council of Victoria initiates research and works with other organisations on projects to improve the protection and understanding of Victoria’s fascinating heritage.
We provide research findings, case studies and guidance to improve practice in the heritage sector and to guide decisions that affect the historic environment.
Research & Projects highlights:
Heritage in Ruins: an investigation into Melbourne’s ‘buried blocks’
In 2017, archaeological excavations in Lonsdale street in Melbourne CBD revealed significant building remains (approximately the height of a single storey) at a depth of 2 metres below current ground levels dating from the first years of the city’s historic settlement.
The State of Heritage Review: Local Heritage
In a state growing as fast as Victoria, it is timely to review the effectiveness of its current heritage management arrangements.
Framework of Historical Themes
Viewing places or objects as part of a broader historical theme deepens our understanding and appreciation of Victoria’s history and heritage.
Landscapes of Cultural Heritage Significance: Assessment Guidelines
The Landscapes of Cultural Heritage Significance: Assessment Guidelines aim to improve the understanding, identification and assessment of the cultural values of landscapes in Victoria.
Industrial Heritage Adaptive Reuse Case Studies
Reusing industrial places and spaces can reinvigorate our cities, towns and landscapes. This series of case studies challenges and inspires us make the most of Victoria’s rich industrial heritage.
Valuing Victoria’s heritage
Valuing Victoria’s Heritage
In 2005, the Allen Consulting Group completed the report ‘Valuing the priceless: the value of historic heritage in Australia’ This study was an important milestone in heritage valuation literature as it proved the efficacy of a particular market research technique – choice modelling – as a means of eliciting the community’s willingness to pay (WTP) for heritage outcomes.
Recognition of Shared Values
The Shared Values project aims to better recognise Aboriginal and shared heritage values in the Victorian Heritage Register.
Community Perceptions of Heritage
The Heritage Council of Victoria commissioned a literature review of existing research and studies on community perceptions of heritage to inform planning and help provide a basis for prioritising projects and expenditure.
Migration heritage
From the Preston market to the local milk bar, discover the places and spaces that are important to Victoria’s post-war migrant communities.
Responses to Government Enquiries and Reports
Our advice to the Minister, government departments, local councils and other agencies aims to lead the debate on the protection and conservation of heritage places and objects in Victoria.