Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Applications for Bass Coast Shopfront Improvement Rebate of up to $2,000 open until 23 October 2022

Bass Coast Shire Council is excited to announce that the Shopfront Improvement Rebate Program is back.

By news@gippsland - 2nd September 2022 - Back to News

The Shopfront Improvement Rebate program is fully funded by council and is offering local businesses and service providers rebates of up to $2,000, to improve the appearance of their shopfronts and outdoor spaces. This round will also expand to include footpath trading as well as facade improvements, to enhance the look and feel of Bass Coast's town centres.

From left to right are Deputy Mayor Leticia Laing, local business owners Alan Foon (Foons Photographics), Souvanny Gully (Souvanny Thai), Stephen Cousins (Vortex Surf Skate Snow), The Hon. Mary-Ann Thomas MP and Jordan Crugnale MP

Apply for a rebate

Some examples of the works that can be completed as part of the program include:

• External signage and A-frames
• Improved accessibility
• Replacement of outdoor furniture and umbrellas
• Planter boxes, fencing and display of goods infrastructure
• Painting of the shopfront/facade
• Minor repairs to structural facade elements, awnings, and verandas
• Installation of store lighting visible from the street

Applications open on Friday, 2 September and close on Sunday, 23 October. Council will hold two drop-in sessions during this period, to provide support for anyone needing help with their application.

Up-coming sessions

Register your attendance at Shopfront Improvement Rebate Program web page to receive a reminder. The sessions will be held at the following times:

• Phillip Island Visitor Centre: Friday, 16 September from 9.00am to 11.00am
• Online: Tuesday, 18 October from 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said this program has been established to help local businesses to renew their shopfront, improve the vibrancy of individual shops, stimulate economic growth and enhance the look and feel of local commercial districts.

Community consultation

Cr Whelan said, "It was great to see 34 projects from round one of the Rebate Program completed, including external signage, painting, minor repairs, accessibility improvements and lighting upgrades."

"It's also fantastic that these projects help to support our local economy further, by working with local contractors. These initiatives are aligned with the work we are doing in our townships, which include the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan currently out for community consultation." Cr Whelan concluded.

For further details, visit Shopfront Improvement Rebate Program web page or contact council's Business Support Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email business.support@basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Pictures from A Guide to Bass Coast Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com