A new Ipswich City Council funding program could unlock unused spaces and support more people living in Ipswich Central with a financial incentive now available for Shop Top Living.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the Shop Top Living program was designed to encourage property owners to retrofit underutilised spaces above shops in Ipswich Central.
“This is a call out to property owners in Ipswich Central who have a space above their business, which could be turned into Shop Top Living in the future,” Cr Augustine said.
Cr Augustine said Shop Top Living will contribute towards increasing the number of people residing in the Ipswich Central.
“The purpose of this program is to assist property owners in their journey of exploration to retrofit these spaces, with the end goal of independently submitting their own application for a building approval or development approval,” Cr Augustine said.
“This is a ‘double it’ co-contribution funding program. Council will provide up to double the amount of what the property owner is willing to contribute, up to a maximum of $10,000 (excluding GST). This is available once per owner, business, per premises, per annum through the program.
“The total pool of funding is capped at $50,000.
“This is the next step in council’s efforts to encourage more unique housing options in Ipswich Central and expand our offerings for residential accommodation.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the new Shop Top Living program kicked off this month and is open for applications through until Thursday 3 October 2024.
“This program will increase the vibrancy of Ipswich Central by increasing after-hours activity, welcoming more residents into the city centre, and will be perfect timing with the opening of major tenancies in Nicholas Street Precinct later this year,” Cr Doyle said.
“It will be available to property owners who are physically located in Ipswich Central – the eligible pilot area.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said successful program applicants will receive funds to be used towards retrofitting costs, including engagement of the services of a building professional.
“That could include architects, designers, engineers, specialist consultants or building certifiers, to provide professional advice and relevant documentation,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“All expenses will need to be agreed to as part of the agreement. In return, successful program applicants will be expected to move towards submitting a building approval or development approval for their Shop Top Living premises.”
Last year, council approved a hotel and short-term accommodation plan to explore short-stay accommodation gaps across the city, suitable accommodation types and locations to fill these gaps.
Council had already taken proactive steps into this space with discounted development application fees for hotels.
To read the guidelines and apply for Shop Top Living visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/funding