HERITAGE HELP: Manilla Meats’ owner Rodney Sevil is delighted the business has been offered $8500 to reinstate the old two-storey veranda of the building on Manilla’s main street, Manilla St, from the Tamworth Regional Council Heritage Assistance Fund. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 260912GOD01
THE historic building that houses Manilla Meats in Manilla’s main street will sport a new look over the coming 12 months.
It is one of 17 business houses and private residences across the Tamworth Regional Council area awarded funding from the $42,000 Tamworth Regional Heritage Assistance Fund for 2012/2013.
The $8500 allocated to Manilla Meats will be used by business owner Rodney Sevil to reinstate a historic bullnose verandah, which was originally a feature of the building.
Mr Sevil told The Leader old photographs of the building had inspired the decision to apply for the funding.
“We had seen a lot of old pictures and thought it would be nice to be able to return some of those features as the building continues to age,” he said.
Mr Sevil purchased the butcher shop, which he believes was originally a private residence, 14 years ago.
“It’s been in a bit of a state of decline for a while and we have been keen to do the repairs,” he said.
“With old buildings, though it’s not always easy, this funding will help us get the ball rolling.”
The $8500 will help to meet a quarter of the cost of the project to reinstate the veranda and bullnose roof.
“Altogether, the project will cost about $49,000,” Mr Sevil said.
“But it will be more than worth it in the end. The building is an important part of the Manilla streetscape and it will look great.”
The Sevils’ application received the most funding of the 17 projects.
