An award winning Thai food takeaway in Lucan, County Dublin has received a different type of award, this time in recognition of the work undertaken to transform the shopfront design of its business premises. Green Mango of Chapel Hill, Lucan received €1,000 from South Dublin County Council under the Council’s annual best Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme. The award of Best Designed Shopfront was in addition to a grant received to part fund the installation of an improved shopfront design.
Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Peter Kavanagh, said, “I congratulate Keith and Nipaporn Kennerk on the wonderful improvement to the new shopfront at Green Mango, on Chapel Hill, in Lucan. Green Mango have made significant changes to their premises, which not only includes the installation of a new shopfront, but also the painting of the whole front of the building, including the first floor. Considering the full exterior to the building when undertaking these improvement works really sets off the workmanship and design of the new shopfront. The changes really lift the building. The efforts by the team at Green Mango has made a significant improvement to their own premises and the street overall through careful, thoughtful use of contemporary materials informed by good design.“
“Each year the Council’s Shopfront Grant Scheme provides an opportunity for local businesses and retailers to preserve and enhance our villages. With the Council’s proposed public realm improvements across Lucan, having enhanced shopfronts in the village can only create a good impression to both residents and visitors.“
“Winning the Best Designed Shopfront award as well as receiving the grant towards the improvement works shows that it makes sense for local businesses to apply for the Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme. A building’s facade can make a big impact on our streetscape and how a shopfront looks matters to both the business owner and the local community.“
“This initiative is a further example of the strong supports we as a Council are making available to retailers and businesses in our County. I would encourage local businesses throughout South Dublin County to investigate the scheme and see how it can contribute to their trade and the aesthetics of their locality.”
The annual Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme provides grants for something as simple as painting to replacing an entire shopfront. Grants are available for a maximum of 50% of overall costs. Furthermore, a prize of €1,000 is awarded for the Best Designed Shopfront under the scheme. 2021 was the eighth year of the scheme in South Dublin County and, despite the economic climate due to COVID-19, the Council had received the highest number of applications since 2017 with the most completions in five years.
Keith and Nipaporn Kennerk of Green Mango said, “we are delighted to win this award. We have been serving the community of Lucan with authentic Thai food since 2011 through quality service and only the best ingredients, however we felt that the facade of our building as it stood didn’t project that level of quality or professionalism. We felt the aesthetics of our building was becoming quite dated and needed an update. We heard of the Council’s Shopfront Improvement Scheme and thought it was the right time to make a positive change. We decided to go with a more traditional look, with a contemporary twist, which is in keeping with the vintage of the building. We are extremely grateful to the council for their support with this grant. We found the process quite easy to deal with and would encourage other shop owners to consider applying for the grant too. We think, and it is obvious from this award, that the transformation improves the overall look of our street, and village, which can only be good for business and the local community.“
Under the scheme, the works at Green Mango included the installation of a timber shopfront, repainting the ground and first floors of the building, new signage, and new windows. Details of the scheme including Terms and Conditions and online form for 2022 are available on the Council’s website at www.sdcc.ie/en/services/business/enterprise/business-support/shop-front-grant.
Source: South Dublin County Council
