Kerbside dining and façade improvement grants on offer

Published on 26 May 2020

Council has launched the 2020 Kerbside Dining Encouragement and Façade Improvement grants programs and is inviting city centre businesses to apply.

The grants assist businesses in creating or improving kerbside dining areas or revitalising their shop frontage, in order to improve the customer experience and street appeal.

The programs have been made possible by funding assistance from the State Government which shares Council’s commitment to boosting the local economy.

Kerbside Dining Encouragement Grants of up to $2,000 and Façade Improvement Grants up to $5,000 are available.

Owner of Robinsons Bookshop in Frankston, Susanne Horman, said a Façade Improvement Grant had helped create a brand new shop front for her Station Street Mall store.

“We are Victoria’s oldest independent bookshop, and the new ‘heritage look’ façade and carriage lights have really helped the shop appear that way.

“Not having to pay for the shop front was a huge boost for us. It is such a high impact part of the store.”

The façade complements further interior refurbishment works, including a brand new café which is now open for takeaway orders.

“We are proud that we have managed to stay open and the new frontage is already drawing people in. I can’t wait until the restrictions are lifted and customers can sit down at the new café and enjoy it all.

“We also received a Council grant that helped us with the outdoor seating area so we will have plenty of room for people to spread out,” Susanne said.

“The recent Station Street mall precinct works look great and have really helped bring people back to the area,” she added.

Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke, said with social distancing restrictions being gradually lifted, the State Government and Council were actively encouraging and supporting cafes and restaurants to expand their operations by delivering quality outdoor dining experiences.

“Now is the time for local businesses to jump on board and I encourage business operators to apply now to enhance your dining experiences for residents and visitors in time for summer.

“The Victorian Government is proud to be partnering with Council on these two grant programs as part of the $745,000 Suburban Revitalisation Program grant that the Victorian Government has just awarded to Council.”

Mayor, Sandra Mayer, encouraged other businesses to apply for the kerbside dining and façade grants, and to look out for other grants programs which were being finalised.

“Earlier this month, Council endorsed a $6.434 million enhanced Relief and Recovery Package which includes further grants to support businesses, as well as programs which have been tailored for other parts of the community,” Cr Mayer said.

“Details on how to apply for these grants are being developed and will be released shortly on our website.”

For further details or to apply for a Façade Improvement Grant, click here.

For further details or to apply for a Kerbside Dining Encouragement Grant, click here.

Applications for both 2020 programs close at 5pm Tuesday 30 June.