Central Coast Council’s Façade Improvement Support program opens on September 1 and aims to provide businesses and commercial property owners with the opportunity to access up to $5000 to enhance their building facades and improve accessibility.
To increase chances of funding success, Council is hosting two free information sessions this month to provide information on program guidelines, eligibility and timeframes.
Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the support program piloted in November last year was a success and will now include two additional town centres.
“Last year we saw 35 businesses and commercial property owners apply for support through this program, with 30 of these applications recommended,” she said.
“Due to its popularity, this year we’re expanding the program to include two more town centres, Terrigal and Woy Woy alongside Wyong, Toukley, The Entrance and Gosford.
“This program aims to help local businesses to enhance their offering and accessibility to assist with the revitalisation of our local town centres.
“By improving shopfront accessibility and aesthetics we hope this will support local businesses in attracting visitors to spend locally and contribute to our economy.
“The dollar-for-dollar matched funding is provided for the cost of works, labour and materials to a maximum value of $5000 per property in eligible town centres.
This year’s program will open with $150,000 in available funding.
Smith said project ideas don’t have to be costly to make a large impact.
“Ideas can be big or small and can include, painting, signage, updated awnings, installation of access ramps and more,” she said.
Administrator Rik Hart said Council’s Façade Improvement Support Program was a success in 2022, with the program contributing to the revitalisation of town centres.
“I’m pleased to see the program is continuing to support the improved amenity of our town centres, with the addition of Terrigal and Woy Woy to this year’s program,” he said.
“This funding is a great opportunity to support many local businesses while attracting more visitors to our beautiful region.”
Information sessions will be held on: Tuesday, August 15, from 5.30pm at Wyong Administration Building, 2 Hely St, Wyong; and Wednesday, August 16, from 5.30pm at Laycock St Community Theatre.
The program opens for applications on September 1 and closes at midnight on September 30.
To register for an information session, review the funding guidelines and apply search Façade Improvement Support Program at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Source:
Central Coast Council
This is a great initiative, but could go deeper with incentives for property owners to incorporate improvements to the functionality and architecture of their properties.