Second round of Town Centre Improvement fund

Applications are open for a second round of Town Centre Improvement funding to support Queen Street shop and building owners to enhance the appearance of premises and strengthen the economic vitality of the CBD.

This follows 11 Queen Street businesses receiving a total of $135,000 funding in the first stage of the Improvement Fund in June. Work must be completed within 12 months of funding being approved.

A total of $200,000 was approved by Masterton District Council for the fund, with $65,000 now available.

The CBD Upgrade and water main project is seeing the look of Queen Street streetscape greatly improved and Council Chief Executive Kym Fell said it made good sense to continue the alignment of public and private investment.

“The first two stages of the CBD Upgrade are looking great, and it makes send to offer a second round of improvement funding, to encourage building owners to continue enhancement of this area,” Mr Fell said.

“Improving the way Queen Street and adjoining streets look, will help encourage people to shop, spend time, and invest.”

Mayor Bex Johnson said the next stage of the fund represented a further an investment in the future.

“Sprucing up the CBD will help boost local business, support jobs, and foster prosperity of our district.”

Eligible projects may include:

• Restoration of original architectural features
• Parapet reinstatement
• New or improved verandahs
• External painting in heritage or complementary colours
• External lighting
• Removal of redundant signage
• Relocation of equipment such as air conditioning units.

Two criteria have been added:

• Repairs and maintenance that include aesthetic upgrades Improvements that incorporate or reflect our heritage and culture, with emphasis on mana whenua values – for example, incorporating or reflecting these elements in design, signage, colour schemes etc
• New signage where it forms part of a wider enhancement project, improves the visual amenity of the building, provides heritage interpretation, or replaces inappropriate signage with a design that better reflects the character of the building and surrounding streetscape.

Applications close Wednesday 14 October, and can be made through the Council’s What’s Up, Whakaoriori? page: whatsup.mstn.govt.nz

ENDS