Eighty Brisbane Street has its historic charm back after building owners, David and Kate Farrer received funding as part of Ipswich City Council’s pilot Façade Improvement Program which allowed them to accomplish a long-awaited goal of upgrading their shopfront.
Eighty Brisbane Street is the second shopfront to complete their façade renovations, after Ipswich City Council committed $137,000 to a pilot Façade Improvement Program aimed at improving shopfronts in Ipswich Central.
As a part of the renovations 80 Brisbane Street has received a new colour scheme which has refreshed the façade while still keeping with the historic elements of the building.
The program offered dollar-for-dollar matched funding of up to $15,000 to encourage shopfront and building owners to undertake works as part of a wider strategy to increase economic opportunities for Ipswich Central businesses.
Twelve businesses are currently being improved under round one of the pilot program.
Eighty Brisbane Street is a historic building, built in the 1890s, which has housed many successful Iocal businesses including an oyster saloon titled the Australian Café which opened in 1901, which later became the well-known City Café in 1921.
This building also housed a fish’n’chip store and café during WWII and more recently the much loved store The Shoe Repairer.
Deputy Mayor Marnie Doyle said the newly painted façade ensures the building maintains its historic pride in the 21st century.
“It is also about celebrating and protecting our heritage and it’s wonderful to see this iconic 1890s building standing proud with a new coat of paint,” Cr Doyle said.
“This council is committed to encouraging investment in Ipswich Central and this funding will help improve economic opportunities for business and building owners.
“These works benefit the Ipswich community by preserving the character and identity of this property for future generations.”
Building owner David Farrer is proud to be contributing to Ipswich’s local history and he hopes the upgrade will draw in a new tenant.
“We have been wanting to repaint the front facade for some time, but as mum and dad property investors it was very costly,” he said.
“Receiving the funding from the council was fantastic and made it viable for us.”
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Eighty Brisbane Street as the City Café, 1921.