Before and after: Bass Coast shopfronts get a makeover thanks to council rebate

Take a look at the before and after images of Bass Coast businesses that succeeded in getting a rebate to redo their shopfronts. SEE THE VIDEO:

More than 40 businesses in the Bass Coast have had the chance to “revamp” and “improve” their shopfronts thanks to a rebate program offered through the region’s council.

Some businesses have been able to add accessibility features like ramps while others have been able to update their signage.

Owner of boutique lifestyle store Tyde, Justin Gitz, said the rebate program allowed him to do a “complete makeover” of the store in Thompson Ave, Cowes.

“The rebate was very helpful as it enabled us to install the sign quicker than what we had planned, and thus give us a bit more presence on the street as well as making the store more identifiable when walking up or down Thompson Ave,” he said.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor Michael Whelan said the program was a fantastic incentive for local businesses to spruce up their shopfronts to help create an improved aesthetic across the Shire.

The rebate was a part of council’s Covid recovery plan to encourage patrons to use local businesses and provide work for contractors.

“An additional benefit of the program was that the majority of the rebate recipients engaged local contractors to complete their projects, investing more than $76,000, or around 94 per cent of total project spend, back into the local economy,” Cr Whelan said.

According to Mr Gitz, the process was simple.

“We felt the rebate program has helped us and it looks as though, some other stores improve their facades, which can only be good for the street and Cowes in general,” he said.

A $50,000 grant came from Regional Development Victoria.

“We already have inquiries from businesses that missed out in the first round, hoping for a follow up program,” Cr Whelan said.

“We will continue to advocate to the state government for funding to run a similar program in the future.”

The businesses that were successful were:

A Do With a View Hair and Beauty Salon

Anything Goes

Artfusion Art Gallery

Bani’s Restaurant and Bar

BEANd San Remo

Bronwyn Zoe Van Der Heyden

Coastal Independence and Mobility

Collectable Antiques

Cowes Curry Club

Craigendale Pty Ltd

Food and Liquor Xpress (Katandra Holdings)

Foods Photographics

Gelato Al Mare

Gippsland Building Approvals Pty Ltd

Grenache Pty Ltd

Harvey’s Automotive Refinishing

Host Easy BnB

Island Burger Bar

Island Organics

Island Surf Shack

Kelly and Gemelli Art and Design

Kesari Enterprise Pty Ltd

Kids Play Toys

Kilcunda Ocean View Motel/ Ocean Reach Pty Ltd

Lattitude Trading

Marios at San Remo