Deadline: 30-Jun-25
Applications are now open for the Dixon Street Improvement Grant to support the revitalisation of the historic heart of Chinatown through matched funding for works to shop and building frontages.
Applications are now open for the Dixon Street Improvement Grant to support the revitalisation of the historic heart of Chinatown through matched funding for works to shop and building frontages.
This funding program supports capital works that improve shop and building frontages on Dixon Street south with matched funding that contributes to:
- the visible renewal of Dixon Street (south) shopfronts and facades, making the street more active and attractive
- the creation of a ‘chef’s gallery’ bringing the theatre of food preparation to Dixon Street
- the distinct character and identity of Dixon Street as the historic heart of Chinatown.
Funding Information
- They provide support for 3 types of capital works projects:
- Type 1 – Street level major works: Cash funding up to $60,000 is available per shopfront.
- Type 2 – Street level minor works: Cash funding of up to $20,000 is available per shopfront.
- Type 3 – Upper storey works: Cash funding up to $60,000 is available per property.
Funding Priorities
- Street level major works
- Building works to bring food preparation to the front window to be visible from Dixon Street (required for this type of grant)
- Upgrades to shopfronts
- Upgrades to external signs and lighting
- Installation of larger windows or bi-fold windows (opening up views from Dixon Street)
- Repair or restoration of existing awnings.
- Street level minor works
- Upgrades to Dixon Street shopfronts
- Upgrades to external signs and lighting
- Installation of larger windows or bi-fold windows (opening up views from Dixon Street)
- Repair or restoration of existing awnings.
- Upper storey works
- Restoration or installation of signs or street art that maintains Dixon Street’s character
- Cleaning, repairing or repainting external building façade
- Repair or restoration of the awning and upper storey windows
- Removal of redundant air conditioning units, utilities, wiring or fixtures.
Ineligible Funding
- Funding is not available for:
- purchase of buildings
- extensions or additions to properties
- relocation of businesses
- internal fit outs or works which do not improve the frontage as viewed from Dixon Street
- waiver of fees for development applications, health inspection fees, health approvals, street closures and other approvals and other similar statutory charges
- reimbursement of funds already spent
- operational costs, staffing, wages and marketing
- projects that directly contravene the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible:
- the building must be located on one of the properties highlighted in the map in the grant guideline
- the proposed works must be to a frontage visible from Dixon Street
- the applicant must be the landowner or business occupant with a letter of support from the landowner
- you must have an ABN (Australian Business Number)
- the proposed works will naturally need to meet certain standards including planning regulations, certification regulations and the Building Code of Australia (National Construction Code).
- your proposal may need to go through a development application process
- for street level major works applications (type 1) to be eligible the proposed improvements must bring food preparation to the front window to be visible from Dixon Street, contributing to a ‘chefs gallery’ on Dixon Street.
Assessment Criteria
- Significant and visible improvements to the shop and building frontages as viewed from Dixon Street
- Design excellence and a response to local heritage and character
- Supports local and small businesses
- Value for money
- How the project meets the funding priorities.
For more information, visit City of Sydney.
