Ararat opens next round of Façade grants for local businesses

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. 

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison praised the tenacity of local businesses hit hard by the pandemic. 

“We’ve received a positive response from business owners with several enquiries since opening the grants,” said Dr Harrison. 

“Council will continue backing local businesses by doing what we can to help raise the profile of our region, including providing initiatives such as the Façade Grants.  

“We know investing in our streetscapes is crucial for rural towns like ours to transform into a vibrant, thriving regional hub, attracting more visitors to stay, dine and shop.  

“Historic buildings and facades require a mix of professions and trades to carry out these works, creating local jobs and supporting our economic recovery. 

In the last round of grants, 26 applications were successful in attaining support towards their projects.  

Owner of Ararat skin clinic SKINCO, Sarah Holland, has received two grants over the years to freshen her storefront. 

“Previously, I’ve taken the opportunity to carry out signage work on the shop which was great,” said Ms 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. 

“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.” 

Applications are now open and will close on 30 September 2021. For full details including guidelines and an application form, visit Council’s website www.ararat.vic.gov.au.