2021

Facade Improvement Program has now closed for 2021

The program launched on Wednesday 1 September and applications closed on Wednesday 13 October 2021

The Façade Improvement Program is designed to provide an incentive to support businesses in improving their facades, as part of the overall strategy to stimulate wider investment by private business and property owners in the eligible Ipswich Central area.

Council committed $100,000 to the program. The 2021 program was oversubscribed.

Facade Improvement Guidelines

2020

  • New frontage for the Ipswich Massage & Herbal Spa

    Ipswich Massage & Herbal Spa have had a very impactful facelift incorporating heritage and greening on the corner of Brisbane and Waghorn Streets.

    New face lift in the Top of Town 

  • Retro Diner undergoes facelift

    Retro Diner Business Owner Angie Parsons chose to invest in Ipswich Central as she always dreamt of owning her own business in town.

    See the new facade at the Retro Diner 

  • Eighty Brisbane Street has its historic charm back

    Building owners, David and Kate Farrer, received funding which allowed them to accomplish a long-awaited goal of upgrading their shopfront.

    Read about the transformation 

  • First works completed for CJ Vogler & Son

    Ipswich’s oldest business, CJ Vogler & Son, established in 1877 is the first of the 12 recipients to give their business facade a fresh coat of paint, new signage and roller doors.

    Read about the first recipient of the program 

The pilot Façade Improvement Program (FIP) was designed to encourage building owners and operators to invest in façade renovations, using the incentive to cover a portion of the costs.

The program launched on Monday 27 July 2020 and closed on Wednesday 19 October 2020. Twelve applications were received and the program was oversubscribed. Councillors unanimously agreed to extend the funding to to assist the 12 successful applications. We look forward to seeing the transformations happen in early 2021.

Background

The guidelines for applications are in the document library and applications were submitted through Smarty Grants.

The aim of this pilot program is to partner with local businesses to increase economic opportunities through the preservation and improvement of building facades and commercial streetscapes in the eligible pilot area, which will help to increase patronage and ultimately foot traffic.