By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A $125,000 CENTRAL Geelong heritage grant scheme was over-subscribed when applications closed last week.
Deputy mayor Michelle Heagney said City Hall received 22 applications for projects ranging in value from $10,000 to in excess of the fund value of $125,000.
The Central Geelong Major Heritage Fund offers dollar-for-dollar grants for the restoration of heritage-listed facades.
Cr Heagney said Central Geelong Task Force would decide successful applicants, with grant recipients to be notified by 22 June.
The range of projects submitted included restoring slate roofs, works to heritage porticos and verandas, repainting facades, tuck-pointing brickwork, restoring windows, repairing stonework and restoring original flagpoles.
Cr Heagney, also chair of the task force, said the response was exciting.
“We wanted to help building owners improve the appearance of their buildings and encourage businesses and residents back into the city.”
Cr Heagney said restoration works were “often low” on the agenda of city building owners but the grants would help them pay for improvements to heritage features.
She hoped building owners would utilise the fund to help “bring some pride back into the heart of our city”.
The Central Geelong Major Heritage Fund is an annual program, with a second round to be held in the next financial year.
The grants initiative is part of a council push to rejuvenate the city centre, often ranked as the number-one priority for the Geelong region.
.
