Dixon Street improvement grant

Apply online

Begin the process now.

Haymarket coordinator

: [email protected]

Applications are now open

The program will close in July 2027, or earlier if the funding runs out.

This program has several stages. It’s best to submit your expression of interest as early as you can. To allow time for your application to be considered before the end of the program, we strongly recommend you submit it no later than 31 December 2026.

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About this program

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 façades, 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.

We provide support for 3 types of capital works projects:

Type 1 – Street level major works
Type 2 – Street level minor works
Type 3 – Upper storey works

This program will open for 3 years from 2024/25 or until the budget is exhausted.

Our funding will prioritise:
1. Street level major works
2. Street level minor works
3. Upper storey works
Proposals are assessed against the following 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 information about funding priorities, eligibility and assessment criteria, refer to the Dixon Street improvement grant in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.
- Details about how to apply, design objectives, design references and frequently asked questions can be found in the Dixon Street improvement grant applicant pack.

Funding available

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.

You’re required to match the funding requested with cash. Value-in-kind won’t be accepted.

To be eligible:
- the building must be located on one of the properties highlighted in the map in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines
- the proposed works must be to a frontage visible from Dixon Street
- the applicant must be the landowner or lessee 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

Also, to be eligible for street level major works (type 1) 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.

This program is open to for-profit entities.
Funding is not available for:
- purchase of buildings
- extensions or additions to properties
- relocation of businesses
- internal fitouts or works which do not improve the frontage as viewed from Dixon Street
- fees for development applications, health inspections, health approvals, street closures and other approvals or other similar statutory charges
- reimbursement of funds already spent (funds spent in relation to the project itself can be included towards your matched funds)
- operational costs, staffing, wages and marketing

How to apply for Dixon Street

This program has 4 steps in the application process.

Take steps 2 and 3 at the same time.

Start the process now

- Submit your design consign request online.
- Meet with the concierge team to discuss your site and what type of improvements could be eligible for grant funding.
- Develop your proposal with advice from the concierge team.
- You may need to engage a design team.
- The design concierge will carry out eligibility, scope of work and design checks.
- Submit your grant application and provide quotes for the proposed works
- For more significant works, the grant payment may be on the condition of an approved development application.
- Your proposal may require a development application consent or complying development certificate.
- The design and planning concierge team can provide advice.
- The applicant will need to make the necessary applications and pay any applicable fees.
- Once you submit your grant application and upload any required approvals or certificates, your grant application will be assessed.
- Recommendations are then made to Council, which decides on the final outcome – you’ll be notified when you application will go to Council, and later notified of the outcome.
- You’ll be notified when your application will go to Council, and later notified of the outcome.
Grant funding will be provided in 2 staged payments:
- half (50%) when works begin
- half (50%) when works are completed and verified through a site inspection and review of receipts.