When the “street appeal’’ grant program was introduced in Campbelltown last year, one of the 20 local business owners who jumped on board was Seta Berbari, owner of popular Seta’s Café in Dumaresq Street.
Ms Berbari, who used the grant to give the front of her café a makeover, is very happy with the outcome.
“The new neon sign makes the café name stand out and is more stylish,’’ she says.
“I have loved all of the compliments I have received from my customers.
“I am grateful for the grant; with increasing prices and the cost of everything, it helped me achieve what I wanted to do,” said Ms Berbari, pictured.
The program is back for a second round in both the Campbelltown and Ingleburn town centres.
Business owners will be able to apply for up to $2,000 to help them spruce up their shop just like Seta’s Café did.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community but have experienced a challenging couple of years during the pandemic,” says Mayor George Greiss.
“Offering this investment is one way we can work alongside our business community to support the aspirations of small business owners and help them attract more customers while improving the local economy,” Cr Greiss said.
Interested businesses can register to attend an information session on 30 March to help guide them through the application process.
Eligible works include painting, signage improvements, window upgrades, lighting that improves appearance or security, removal of existing cladding, upgrades to alfresco furniture and planter boxes, upgrades to appearance of existing awning, external merchandise and business promotion proposals, outdoor dining proposals, repair works and security enhancements.
Grant applications will open on April 1 and close on May 30. For further details visit council’s website.
There’s also a similar NSW Gov. grant of $5000 available to businesses for Al fresco improvements
It’s good to see something being done to return Queen Street and the CBD into a place people actually want to visit. Now living in Tasmania, I lived in Campbelltown for 40 years and it used to be a hive of activity until the CCC allowed The Mall to be built, which took away all the usual businesses like butchers, greengrocers, a fabulous deli etc. etc. as they closed due to the competition in the shopping centre. The Council brought in town planners who changed the parking situation so less people could park in the main street and gradually allowed lesser types of businesses, $$ shops etc. to open, making it all very unappealing and down market.
Campbelltown is an historic town with many Georgian buildings in and close to Queen Street and more people would visit to see them if the main street encouraged more welcoming/inviting shops and cafes. Queen Street has to offer quality. With a new mayor sitting, perhaps things will happen to make Queen Street the place it once was. I admire his go-ahead policies. Let’s hope he can make a difference actually happen.