An innovative program that has helped revamp streetscapes across Corangamite Shire is again offering funding for businesses to give their shops a makeover.
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The council program will offer a pool of $30,000 and dollar-for-dollar grants of up to $3000 for revamp works.
The Retail Area Facade Improvement Program is being renewed after a successful first year where more than 30 businesses took up the offer, leading to more than $200,000 being spent in facade improvements in towns across Corangamite Shire.
Councillor Chris O’Connor said when the program was first mooted he was reluctant to fund improvements to private businesses, but has since been impressed with the results. “It’s probably one of the decisions since I’ve been on council that I’m the most proud of because it has made such a difference and it is really great to drive through our towns and see some of that work… just think how good it’s going to be in 12 months’ time.”
Mayor Jo Beard said the program had been well-supported.
“Having personally spoken to retailers, particularly in Cobden, that small amount of money has meant so much to them. It’s put projects up that they only ever dreamt of,” she said.
“The program was really well subscribed to last year and it goes to show that small improvements can go a very long way.
“We need to make these towns attractive and inviting and give people a reason to stop and I certainly think a lot of these businesses have now done that.”
Councillor Peter Harkin agreed appealing streetscapes were vital for tourism.
“One of the ways to get people to stop in your town is to have the town looking nice, it makes it welcoming and people will stop and have a look around,” he said.
“We all know that if you pull into towns that are a bit grubby… you don’t want to stop.”
Eligible work under the program includes painting and cleaning of the facade, removal of old signage and minor facade repairs.
The Retail Area Façade Improvement Program will open in July.
Guidelines and application forms are available at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au
Successful applicants will have until May 31, 2017 to complete the work.