The owner of 240-242 Summer St, the home of Bensons Cafe, says the building has been in need of an upgrade for some time, but it was an offer of an Orange City Council grant to help pay for the work that finally gave her the motivation she needed to move forward with it.

This week, the historic building has been getting a facelift with the assistance of $4622 from council's Future City Assistance fund.

"If we want to bring more people to town so they spend more time and money in the CBD, making these street-front buildings more attractive is so important," Ms Single said.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd is now encouraging more building owners to consider taking advantage of the $200,000 program, which is being delivered over three years.

The council has already shared the cost of improving the frontages of five historic buildings by providing grants of up to $20,000.

The latest to be supported under the Future City Assistance Fund are the Greek Community of Orange & District, who've received $1805 to refurbish the facade of their church at 46 McNamara Street.

Council also decided at this week's meeting to provide $5000 to the 2nd Orange Scout Club to refurbish the facade of the Scout Hall at 94 Kite Street.

Cr Kidd said the fund is a great opportunity and wants all CBD building owners to consider investing in a facelift.

"Lots of people are talking about the new festoon lights, fairy lights and the new footpath lighting that have given Summer Street a real lift.

"It's up to building owners to decide if it's worthwhile freshening up the front of their stores and council wants to make that decision as attractive as we can by sharing the cost."

At the Bensons Cafe building, painters have been busy sprucing up the upper storey this week, as well as removing a former Midstate Jewellers' sign. New wall tiles are set to be added at the street level.

Ms Single couldn't be happier.

"I believe this program is exactly what our city needs," she said.

She urged others who might be eligible for the program to get in touch with Orange City Council to get involved while the financial assistance is on offer.

"It's a simple process and is very worthwhile when you think about the result."

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