The Facade Improvement Program (FIP) encourages owners and tenants to enhance their facade and help improve street appeal.
Council successfully launched two rounds of the Facade Improvement Program (FIP) in 2022 and 2023 with approximately $90,000 allocated for facade improvements across the City of Logan. Council is working with successful applicants to deliver and acquit these works.
At present there is no plans for a third round of the program, however Council approved the intent to create a broader Place Making Incentive Program that may include facade improvements opportunities. Council will communicate any future funding opportunities when the new program is launched.
To promote high quality facade improvements, enhance main street amenity, encourage improved footfall and patronage, encourage footpath dining and stimulate the day and night time economy of the city’s centres.
- Improve the quality, appearance and function of Logan’s centres
- Assist local business and enterprises to enhance the visual appearance, quality and function of their building facade
- To support local business and enterprises in increasing economic activity
- Create more vibrant, active and attractive places across the city
- Support local businesses in improving the city’s day and night-time economy – an identified priority for attracting and retaining skilled labour
Round 1 of the FIP was launched on 17 January 2022 and applications were invited until 14 April 2022. A total of 48 eligible applications were received with a total funding request of $194,178.
A total of 15 applications were approved to receive funding based on the merits of their project proposal, which was assessed against the program’s key assessment criteria. Funding of approximately $58,000 was allocated catalysing approximately $170,000 of works within the City of Logan. The program demonstrated its value in stimulating a sizeable economic investment within the city.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Key lessons from Round 1 have informed the revised FIP guidelines for Round 2, including changes to the eligible locations, maximum project funding and assessment criteria, to better align with Council efforts to improve place making opportunities.
Eligibility
The Facade Improvement Program is open to landowners or tenants (with landowners written consent) of business premises within the following identified areas:
- Beenleigh Local Plan area
- Logan Central Local Plan area
- Springwood Local Plan area
- Meadowbrook Master Plan area
In addition to the above, Council will consider any application within a centre zone that can demonstrate it positively contributes to Council's Night Time Economy Strategy.
Consideration may also be given to applications that fall outside of these areas, subject to funding availability and the quality and creativity of the proposed works.
The application must relate to a property with a ground floor business that directly adjoins a road or open space and is open to, and trades with, the public.
Who cannot apply
- Properties owned or managed by Logan City Council or a State or Federal Government
- Properties owned or managed by employees of Logan City Council, Councillors or other government agencies
- Properties with overdue debts owning to Logan City Council
- Properties that have previously benefited from FIP funding
- Properties that are used exclusively as a private residence.
What works can be applied for?
What type of works will be funded?
- Painting of building facade, windows and awnings
- Awnings / shade devices
- External materials or detailing
- Improving accessibility
- Signage upgrades
- Removal or screening of air conditioning units
- Removal of roller shutters or security grilles
- Enhancement of heritage features
- Greening of facade
- Upgrade of screens or fencing
What type of works will not be funded?
- Improvements already completed
- Standalone advertising structures
- Purchase of buildings or property extensions
- Routine maintenance or cleaning
- Fixed planter boxes or furniture
How and when?
Applications can be submitted through our SmartyGrants portal. Applicants will be requested to demonstrate how their proposal contributes to the aim and objectives of the program. We will provide guidance material to prepare applications and encourage all applicants to contact us to discuss their project.
Council will invite applications for the Logan Facade Improvement Program Round 2 funding between 3 February 2023 and 5 May 2023.
How to apply and assessment criteria
The following is a brief outline of how the FIP application and implementation process will operate for Round 2.
Contact Council
Applicants are advised to call us to discuss the FIP and determine if their proposal is aligned with the objectives of the program. Please contact our Place Making and Urban Design team, Logan City Council on 07 3412 3412 or email placemakingandurbandesign@logan.qld.gov.au.
Prepare and submit your application
The applicant will prepare documentation to demonstrate how their proposal will meet the objectives of the FIP and provide details of the proposed works.
The application must:
- meet the minimum requirements of the program
- include two quotes for the proposed improvement works
- be lodged electronically through the SmartyGrants portal.
8 principles of successful building facades
These 8 principles of successful facades will guide businesses in the preparation of their applications. The assessment of each application will look at how each of the principles has been addressed.
-
Accessible
Maximising access to businesses for people of all abilities makes economic sense and ensures an equitable City. Safe, practical and efficient access to and from businesses will be supported.
-
Variation
Each building Facade should complement the character of the streetscape but also add visual interest. Varied facades enhance the sense of place or identity of a street. People are more likely to engage with a streetscape that offers a variety of different treatments.
-
Order
A clutter free building Facade improves the appearance of the building and wider streetscape. The removal of air conditioning units, operational machinery, wiring and utilities will all be encouraged as part of the FIP.
-
Consistency
Consistency in the detailing of each Facade is a critical element to a strong street identity. The use of clear, consistent and complementary signage helps to form a recognisable character for the streetscape.
-
Adaptable
Facade improvements should improve the flexibility of the premises to accommodate day and evening activity, encouraging more activity within the street, and enhancing the vibrancy of the urban centre.
-
Attractive
Building facades are a critical element of the public domain, they define the edge and set the tone. Building facades can either encourage people to meet, talk and linger or disperse and avoid. A well-designed Facade will provide visual interest at different scales. The use of form and colour can attract people from distance. Strong detailing engages pedestrians and encourages them to linger.
-
Quality
High quality materials are a strong characteristic of successful streets. Sustainable materials that are hard wearing, safe for public use and fit for purpose will be favoured.
-
Secure
Security features should not contradict the principles of a high-quality streetscape. The use of internal shutters (behind display), greater shutter transparency and reinforced glazing all help to ensure facades remain engaging during the day and night.
The prioritisation of projects will be based on our assessment of each application and how it responds to the criteria in the below table. The criteria have been created to ensure that public funds are used in a manner that is fully aligned with our policies and Corporate Plan.
| Assessment criteria |
Description |
Weighting |
| High Impact and Successful Facades |
The proposed enhancement is highly visible and publicly accessible. Applications for improvements visible from active highly trafficked areas of the city will be prioritised.
Preference will be given to premises that are located within the following place hierarchy:
- Premises that front public rights of way (roads/streets) that are main or active streets or have an active frontage designation.
- Premises that support or enhance other Council priorities such as:
- Night time economy strategy for the City of Logan
- Footpath dining
- Urban art strategy(PDF, 4MB).
- Premises zoned within the following centres:
- Beenleigh Local Plan area
- Springwood Local Plan area
- Logan Central Local Plan area
- Premises located in the Meadowbrook Master Plan area
- Refer to page 9 for a map.
Zoning as defined in the Logan Planning Scheme 2015 v8.1. Local plan areas can be found through the interactive tool on Logan City Council’s PD Hub.
|
40 |
| Connected to Place |
The proposed enhancements are aligned with Council’s Strategic Plans and will clearly contribute to place revitalisation in the street.
Each application will be required to demonstrate public benefit and community value delivered by their proposal. High levels of street engagement and activity generating features will be prioritised.
Evidence of engagement with the Place Making and Urban Design team will be considered favourably. |
30 |
| Value for Money |
Priority will be given to shopfronts in disrepair or in poor to moderate condition.
The quoted items and/or services to deliver the improvements represent value for money.
Proposed items to be purchased are sustainable, hard wearing, safe for public use and fit for long term outdoor use. |
20 |
| Local Benefit |
The quoted items and/or services to deliver the improvements indicate use of SEQ based suppliers and businesses.
Does the contractor undertaking the proposed works have their registered business address within the Logan City Council boundaries. |
10 |
Assessment by panel
All valid applications will be reviewed based on their merits and response to the assessment criteria by the assessment panel. Each application will be scored to determine prioritisation of funding if required in the allocation process. The assessment panel will make a recommendation on which application should receive funding to the Economic Development and Strategy Branch Manager for approval.
Notification of decision
Successful applicants will be notified by email or formal letter. The decision on which applications are successful is final, subject to the execution of the funding agreement.
Funding agreement
Successful applicants will need to enter into a funding agreement with Council prior to the commencement of any works. The funding agreement will clearly set out the obligations of both Council and the applicant in relation to the proposed works and the release of funding.
Commencement of works
Works can commence in accordance with the conditions identified in the funding agreement. If required, applicants will need to obtain a development approval and/or building approval prior to commencing any work.
Acquittal reports
The applicant must prepare and submit a Grant Acquittal Form – including tax invoices, proof of payment and before and after photos of the building facade.
Release of funds
Council will release funding once the Grant Acquittal Form has been approved.
- The applicant is to submit a completed application through SmartyGrants with all relevant documentation.
- Two quotes from local (where practicable) licensed contractors are to be submitted with the application.
- Works are to be undertaken by a licensed contractor.
- The application must demonstrate the applicant is either the owner of the property or they have the written consent of the owner to lodge the application.
- Each application will be assessed on its merits against defined criteria and Council will have complete discretion on how it allocates the funding until the total pool of funding is awarded (identified at the start of each application round). Applications not approved by Council will not be funded as part of the FIP.
- The applicant must obtain all necessary planning and building approvals before commencement of the works.
- Works are to be carried out in accordance with all Council requirements; for example, obtaining a permit to work within the road reserve if required.
- Works are to be carried in accordance with the QLD Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, the QLD Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 2008, the QLD Electrical Safety Act 2002, the QLD Electrical Safety Regulations 2002 and any other legislation as required.
- Works should not commence until the applicant has signed the Letter of Agreement with Council. Council will not grant funds retrospectively to works completed prior to the approval of the Letter of Agreement.
- Applicants must be able to fund the costs of the works upfront as Council will provide its share of funding at the completion of works.
- Hiring of equipment is permitted when directly related to the project.
- Applicants will be required to remove any illegal signage as part of the façade improvements.
- Works approved for grant funding are to be completed within twelve (12) months from the date the agreement with Council is signed or grant funds may be reallocated.
- Any overrun in costs is not the responsibility of Council and extra funds will not be granted.
If you need more information after reading these guidelines, please call our Place Making and Urban Design team on (07) 3412 3412 or email placemakingandurbandesign@logan.qld.gov.au