Future Growth Grant
Funding the future of our high streets
What is the Future Growth Grant?
This is a pilot grant which aims to encourage vacant commercial property owners to invest in their buildings, attract tenants and reduce long term vacancy and dereliction in Lisburn City Centre.
What do we want to achieve with the Future Growth Grant?
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council have committed to deliver the grant to support property owners and occupiers in bringing vacant and derelict properties back into commercial or private residential use. The grant will also create opportunities for tenants and improve the vitality and vibrancy of Lisburn City Centre.
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:
- attract further investment into Lisburn City Centre
- increase footfall to the city centre
- address dereliction
- contribute to the evening economy
- improve the city centre commercial offering.
- increase the opportunity for city centre living as part of a wider mixed-use scheme.
How much is available?
This is a capital scheme only. The maximum level of financial assistance is up to 60% of total capital costs submitted and approved through a successful application, capped at a maximum of £300,000 grant award per applicant.
The scheme has a limited budget and grants will be made through a competitive process. The council however reserves the right to restrict a funding offer to certain elements of a project proposal.
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?
This grant aims to encourage vacant commercial property owners and business owners to invest in their buildings, attract tenants and reduce long term vacancy and dereliction within the city centre. Owners of properties and business owners, within the identified areas of Lisburn City Centre which have been vacant, or part thereof, for at least 24 months can apply.
Can projects be 100% funded through the Future Growth Grant?
No there is a requirement for a minimum of 40% 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 Growth 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