ARARAT OPENS NEXT ROUND OF FAÇADE GRANTS

Following the success of the previous round of Façade Grants, applications are now open for businesses to revitalise their shop fronts.

Valued at up to $5,000 on a 1:1 contribution basis, the Façade Grants will help local businesses restore the town’s incredible heritage buildings and refresh their stores.

The funds can be used to renovate the exterior of the building or storefront, including painting, cleaning, repairs to structural elements, signage works or store lighting visible from the street.

Over the past three years, Council has allocated over $143,000 towards the Façade Grants program, bringing life back to the centre of town and creating new jobs.

In the last round of grants, 26 applications were successful in attaining support towards their projects, including owner of Ararat skin clinic SKINCO, Sarah Holland.

“We’ve been contemplating painting the front of the shop for a while now and once the Façade grants opened, it was such a great opportunity to cut your costs down which is what enticed us to do it,” said Ms Holland.

“The building was white which made it more costly to maintain. My husband and I decided to go with a darker grey colour, which gives the building a more modern look.

“It’s amazing what a coat of paint does for a storefront. We’re thrilled with the outcome -- the building has kept its heritage feel, yet feels more modern and on brand with my business.

“With a fresh coat of paint, I feel my business is standing out more than it used to, especially with visitors who are passing through. “We had a local painter carry out the paintwork so it’s a really nice way to give back to other businesses in our community as well.

“Council staff was really easy to work with and answered any queries I had on colour choice - the whole experience was wonderful and would encourage other businesses to take advantage of the grants.

“There’s a positive vibe among other business owners about the changes happening down the main street too, especially with the addition of the dividers and seeing the streets come to life.”

For full details including guidelines and an application form, visit Council’s website www.ararat.vic.gov.au.