Central Coast Council’s Façade Improvement Support program opens on Friday 1 September, providing businesses and commercial property owners with the opportunity to access up to $5,000 to enhance their building facades and improve accessibility.

To increase chances of funding success, Council is hosting two free information sessions this August that provide information on program guidelines, eligibility, and timeframes. The information sessions will run from Tuesday 15 August, prior to applications opening. 

Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the support program piloted in November last year was a success and will now include two additional town centres. 

“Last year we saw 35 businesses and commercial property owners apply for support through this program, with 30 of these applications recommended. Due to its popularity, this year we’re expanding the program to include two more town centres, Terrigal and Woy Woy alongside Wyong, Toukley, The Entrance and Gosford,” Ms Smith said. 

“This program aims to support local businesses, enhance their offering and accessibility to assist with the revitalisation of our local town centres. By improving shopfront accessibility and aesthetics we hope this will support local businesses in attracting visitors to spend locally and contribute to our economy. 

“The dollar-for-dollar matched funding is provided for the cost of works, labour, and materials to a maximum value of $5,000 per property in eligible town centres. This year’s program will open with $150,000 in available funding.

“Project ideas don’t have to be costly to make a large impact. Ideas can be big or small and can include, painting, signage, updated awnings, installation of access ramps and more!”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council’s Façade Improvement Support Program was a success in 2022, with the program contributing to the revitalisation of our local town centres.  

“It was great to see Council's Façade Improvement Support Program have such a successful impact in 2022. I’m pleased to see the program is continuing to support the improved amenity of our town centres, with the addition of Terrigal and Woy Woy to this year’s program,” Mr Hart said.  

“This funding is a great opportunity to support many local businesses while attracting more visitors to our beautiful region”. 

Information sessions dates and times are: 

• Tuesday 15 August from 5.30pm - Wyong Administration Building, 2 Hely St, Wyong
• Wednesday 16 August from 5.30pm - Laycock Street Theatre, 5 Laycock St Wyoming

The program opens for applications on 1 September and closes at midnight on 30 September 2023. 

To register for an information session, review the funding guidelines and to apply go to our ‘Façade Improvement Support Program’ webpage at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

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