Local businesses set for street front refresh

The businesses have each received a grant under council’s Facade Improvement initiative, which has been in place for nine years and supports quality facade improvement works.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Facade Improvement Grant was a collaborative effort between council and local property owners and business operators.

“By working together, we strive to encourage the revitalisation of commercial facades, infusing new vibrancy into the region's business districts,” Mayor Williamson said.

“By providing a co-contribution towards planned works, it makes it easier for businesses to embark on the enhancement projects they envision,” he said.

Successful applicants were eligible for a co-contribution of up to 50 per cent of the total project costs to a maximum of $5000.

The grant covers a wide range of improvement projects such as painting of facades and exterior walls, restoration of historic buildings, installation of new exterior business signage, renovation of entranceways and installation of external awnings, lighting and street-visible windows.

Successful grant recipient Renee Kitto, of Sprinkles and Love Cake Emporium on Nebo Road, said the upgrade of the facade would bring a whole new look to an old building.

“Many people have known and loved this shop as Chatt-A-Ways for many years,” Ms Kitto said.

“We want to bring all new memories to this shop by making it a more elegant and up-market place to visit and relax. We want them to feel totally at home while they are here,” she said.

Ms Kitto said the grant would allow them to paint the exterior of the building, install new external signage and tint the windows, making the shop less glary inside as well as more energy efficient.

Simon Ross, from Ninety-Five, at 95 Victoria Street was also successful in receiving a grant.

“I bought the building a few years ago and have undertaken a major renovation of the interior, which I’m now using as the head office for my business, Minespec Parts,” Mr Ross said.

“The space looks fantastic inside and is great central location for our sales staff to do their work and meet with clients,” he said.

“This grant will enable me to do a full facade makeover, with new signage as well a security alarm system.”

Successful applicants in the 2023/24 round are:

• Whitsunday Design Drafting Pty Ltd, Gregory Street - removal of the damaged shade awning, repair and restoration of the roof overhang, replacement of fascia boards with updated materials, installation of energy-efficient light fixtures, addition of security lighting, refresh the appearance of the marble feature wall, painting of the brick exterior, utilising a graffiti-resistant paint to prevent vandalism and maintain a clean appearance and installation of new building signage.
• Goanna Brewing, Carlyle Street - installation of business signage strategically positioned in front of an illuminated decorative screen.
• Sprinkles and Love Cake Emporium, Nebo Road – installation of new branded signage and application of window tinting to front facade windows and painting of the front facade.
• Soulfood, MacAlister Street – installation of new business signage above the window of store fronts, eye catching window wrap on our shopfront windows, as well as replacing a damaged hanging sign above the footpath.
• Flavours of Vietnam, Nelson Street – installation of new fascia signage, the application of new window decals, box signage at the main entryway, and update the exterior door entrance.
• Bings, Victoria Street – installation of illuminated sign lightboxes to prominently display the business's brand and indicate designated customer parking areas.
• ‘Ninety-Five’, Victoria Street - updated exterior flashing, structural board, timber trim and weather shield paint intend to compliment the overarching modern and sleek concept of the recently renovated interior.

Sprinkles and Love Cake Emporium co-owners Renee Kitto, left, and Yasmine Aughton are excited about putting the finishing touches to their business thanks to council’s Facade Improvement Grant.