Bass Coast businesses get $135,000 shopfront boost

Bass Coast Shire Council announced $63,000 worth of shopfront upgrades to 34 local businesses across the shire, in the latest round of its Shopfront Improvement Rebate program.

Sixteen businesses across Phillip Island and San Remo were included in the latest round.

The aim of the grants is to revamp town centres by improving their appearance, attracting customers and increasing economic growth.

The grants of up to $2000 enable businesses to undertake vital maintenance and modernisation, including new external signage, painting, minor repairs and lighting upgrades.

For the 2022 Shopfront Improvement Rebate round two program, Council said it received 55 high-quality applications from a wide range of businesses and services, located in eleven towns across the Shire.

From these, 34 successful applicants will be allocated up to $2000 from the rebate program.

Council is funding $63,000 of a total of $135,000 worth of upgrades, with participant businesses providing the remaining $72,000. These businesses add to round one’s program from 2021/2022, which led to 34 completed projects.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said the program will assist businesses and service providers in Bass Coast to brush up the appearance of their shopfronts and building facades – which benefits visitors and residents.

Cr Whelan said that vibrant and attractive streets, shops and public spaces play an important role in creating prosperous town centres.

“We want to do everything we can to bring people back to our towns.

“This makeover of our high streets is one important way Council can encourage their return. We rely so heavily on the visitor economy in Bass Coast, so it will be great to see these projects come to life, then witness the difference made to these businesses.”

Grants were awarded to:

Cowes: Beach HQ, CCs Fish and Chips, Cowes Curry Club, Cowes Veterinary Surgery, It's a Sweet Thing, Brinnie T Design, Mod Eisley Cantina, Offshore Design Furniture and Homewares, Rusty

Water Brewery Restaurant and Bar, Sambreros Tex-Mex Cantina and Fortuna Noodles Express.

Newhaven: The Ivy Plant Studio and The Seaside Provider.

San Remo: San Remo Fisherman's Co-op, Sanny Side and Sanny Social 157.

For more information and the full list of recipients:  www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/shopfrontrebate.