Several iconic buildings across Leeton's central business district have been transformed with the application of fresh paint in art deco colours as part of a CBD Building Facade Project in recent weeks.
The Project, a joint initiative between Council and participating building owners, has not only assisted to enhance Leeton's main street but has built a sense of community pride, with the community responding favourably to the works.
Twenty-one buildings have been painted as part of Stage One of the Project within the streets of Pine Avenue (between Shaw Street Clothing and Leeton Party and Wholesale), Wade Avenue (between Pinnacle Accounting and the Leeton Multipurpose Community Centre) and Kurrajong Avenue (between the Vinnies Building and QPL Real Estate).
Sixty percent of the costs for each building façade were subsidised by Council with the remaining forty percent paid by the respective building owner/s.
The funds collected from the building owner contributions for this project will be placed in a special reserve fund. The funds will be accessible by other Leeton CBD building owners in future years to help support the upkeep of the streetscape and ensure equity to those building owners that have already kept their facades in good condition.
Council's Manager Visitor Services and Local Activation Mr Brent Lawrence thanked all the participating building owners and the local painters who have helped revitalise many tired looking building facades.
"These works help position Leeton Shire as the Art Deco Capital of Regional Australia and is set to be a drawcard for visitors to our Shire," said Mr Lawrence.
"When combined with the Australian Art Deco Festival and the 'Art Deco Way' Touring Route which is under development, the refreshed facades offer a distinctive point of difference for visitors as well as beautifying the streetscape for our community."
Mayor Paul Maytom said he and the councillors are delighted that the project has delivered a real morale boost for Leeton businesses and Leeton residents. He added his thanks to the building owners who have helped make this project a reality and the painting companies - Lashbrook Painting and Decorating and Trevor Clowes Painting - who did the work.
"Highlighting the special features of our facades has lifted our spirits and provided a more attractive and vibrant setting for Leeton's town centre," said Mayor Maytom.
"It has helped celebrate our magnificent art deco heritage and will leave a great impression on visitors to our Shire.
"Most importantly it has made us even more proud of our town - everyone is talking about how attractive our CBD building are," he said.
Stage Two of the Leeton CBD Façade Painting Project will be completed during 2021/22.
The next buildings to be included in Stage Two will be selected over the next few months. The works will be quoted on by local contractors and are scheduled to commence in October this year.
