Future Investment Grant
Turning empty spaces into opportunity
What is the Future Investment Grant?
This is a pilot grant which aims to assist new businesses who are interested in setting up in Lisburn City Centre and existing businesses who wish to expand, repurpose and diversify their premises or part thereof to adapt their business.
What do we want to achieve with the Future Investment Grant?
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council have committed to deliver the grant to support the economic growth and resilience of Lisburn City Centre through the provision of grant assistance for interior and exterior improvements to vacant commercial buildings, expansions or repurposing of existing premises.
The grant will initially focus on properties located within the designated city centre boundary as identified in the Lisburn City Centre masterplan, namely Antrim Street, Bow Street, Railway Street, Bridge Street, Castle Street, Market Street and Market Square. Following a review of the grant, future consideration will be given to extending the scheme into other streets and other relevant Council areas.
The grant outcomes will:
- improve the commercial offer in the Lisburn City Centre by reducing the current vacancy rates and attracting new businesses into the centre
- support existing businesses who wish to expand or diversify their current offer by providing financial assistance
- support new businesses who wish to open in Lisburn City Centre, by offering financial assistance
How much is available?
This is a capital scheme only. There is no funding towards revenue costs such as training, IT/e-business and marketing expenditure. The funding allocation will be subject to change based on the number of eligible applications received.
The level of funding is allocated based on business footprint with a maximum award of £30,000 per project available. Successful businesses will be required to match fund a minimum of 20% of the total project costs excluding any VAT or fees incurred.
Will all statutory approvals related to the project be required to be in place at application form submission stage?
No. All statutory approvals will, however, need to be confirmed and in place prior to a permission to start being issued for your project.
Who is eligible for funding?
Eligible applicants will:
- occupy vacant properties
- repurpose existing properties or part thereof
- must be based within the Lisburn City Centre boundary
- improve the city centre and complement what is currently on offer
- demonstrate how repurposing existing businesses will benefit the city centre and the business
- create a viable and sustainable business investment opportunity
- demonstrate value for money will be achieved in the cost of the works
- applications are limited to one per property
- a minimum three-year lease is required
- preference will be given to business with on-street frontage
- preference will be given to 'unique' businesses
- preference will be given to evening economy businesses
Can projects be 100% funded through the Future Investment Grant?
No there is a requirement for a minimum of 20% match funding of the overall capital costs. This must be in place at the time of application.
How do I apply?
Following an earlier expression of interest process, applications for the first call of the Future Investment Grant scheme are currently being processed. If you'd like to submit an expression of interest for the second call, please email: regenerationgrants@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Click here for a detailed guide to the grant