Capital grant scheme aims to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Lisburn City Centre.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has, this week, launched two new grant funding opportunities worth £1.1m to drive economic growth and regeneration in Lisburn City Centre.
The Future Growth Grant aims to reduce long term vacancy and dereliction within the city centre. This could include support towards restoring derelict property where costs impact viability, or a contribution towards major capital works in larger stores to create smaller shop units for independent retailers.
The second opportunity, the Future Investment Grant, will support external and internal property improvement works. This grant could be used to enhance the appearance of vacant properties and to make them more ‘let ready’.
To help shape the initiative, the Council launched an expression of interest process in June 2024 to gauge market demand and identify potential challenges. The feedback received confirmed the need for targeted support and directly informed the development of the next phase of the programme.
Councillor Claire Kemp, Regeneration and Growth Chair said: “Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has developed both grant programmes to support property owners and occupiers in bringing vacant properties or derelict sites back into commercial and residential use. The grants will create opportunities to attract new businesses and improve the vitality and vibrancy of our city centre”.
David Burns, Chief Executive said: “Towns and cities across the UK and Ireland are impacted by changing shopping habits. We asked local businesses, investors, shoppers and property owners what we could do to re-energise and revitalise Lisburn. We’ve already noticed an increase in private investment and we’re confident these new grant schemes will kick start further interest with lasting change.
“Building on our recent 'Best Kept City' award, we want the Lisburn experience to generate many repeat visits and for it to be a place where local people take pride in their city. That requires a modern living and shopping experience and we’re committed to helping our businesses to achieve this.”
Find out more about the grant programmes and details on eligibility here: www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/future-city-grants