Dilapidated CBD buildings could get a much-needed facelift under a Wollongong City Council plan to match the cost of shopfront repairs through a new dollar-for-dollar rejuvenation scheme.
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Under a proposal to be considered at next Monday's council meeting, up to 158 businesses along Crown Street could receive up to $20,000 each to upgrade their run-down facades.
Shopkeepers would have to pay half the cost of repairs, which could include installing new signage, repainting, getting rid of roller shutters and security grills and repairing awnings.
Council staff have outlined three possible areas for the scheme, but have recommended councillors endorse a plan to assist about 130 Crown Street businesses between Corrimal Street and Railway Parade, as well as those in Globe Lane.
This would cover numerous scruffy shopfronts west of Crown Street Mall, but stop short of improving the appearance of the notorious strip of shops near Piccadilly Centre.
Council staff said updating shops in this area would complement refurbishment work in Crown Street Mall, improve Wollongong's best-used pedestrian strip and align with the roll-out of free Wi-Fi in the city centre.
"Eastern Crown Street is an emerging cafe, restaurant and cosmopolitan precinct that should continue to be supported ... " documents said.
"The inclusion of Globe Lane will incentivise facade and shopfront improvement in that growing and increasingly popular precinct."
The scheme will cost $600,000 over two years, with half the money set to be made available this financial year.
According to council staff, the program would help create a more social environment in the CBD, entice more tourists, residents and shoppers to visit the city and help change people's perception of Wollongong.
"This ... actively facilitates and stimulates an attractive, lively and coherent streetscape, which is aimed at attracting more life into the city," documents said.
It would also improve safety, "foster a unique identity" for Wollongong and address issues of illegal or non-compliant signage.
Councillors will vote next week on whether to endorse the rejuvenation plan, which, if supported, will be placed on public exhibition to allow it to be included in the city's annual budget.
