This follows on from Support from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Future Growth fund as our continued commitment to a vibrant City Centre.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to announce The Square Bistro as the first successful business to receive funding through the Council’s Future Growth fund, aimed at supporting the regeneration and economic growth of Lisburn City Centre.
Launched in November 2025, the programme was developed to encourage investment in vacant properties whilst also supporting the revitalisation of the city centre. With the grant support provided through the programme, local business owners Stevie and Cristina Higginson have transformed the long-term vacant property at 26 Market Square, Lisburn into the new permanent home of their popular restaurant, The Square Bistro. The move provides the growing business with a larger, permanent base in the heart of the city centre, supporting continued growth and investment in Lisburn.
The project represents a significant investment in the city centre and demonstrates how vacant properties can be brought back into productive use, helping to enhance the overall attractiveness, vitality, and long-term sustainability of Lisburn's historic core.
Speaking about the award the Chair of the Regeneration and Growth Committee, Alderman James Baird said "The Future Growth Grant Programme is designed to support ambitious regeneration projects that can have a lasting impact on Lisburn City Centre. We were delighted to award the first grant to Stevie and Cristina for their plans at 26 Market Square. This investment has transformed a long-term vacant building while supporting the growth of an established local business and further enhances the vitality and appeal of our city centre for residents, visitors and businesses alike."
Stevie and Cristina Higginson welcomed the funding support from the Council and highlighted the significance of securing a permanent location for the business.
"We are excited to begin this next chapter for The Square Bistro and are grateful for the Council support provided through the Future Growth Grant Programme. Acquiring and redeveloping 26 Market Square has allowed us to expand our business investment in Lisburn City. We are looking forward to welcoming both existing and new customers to our new premises and continuing to be part of Lisburn's thriving local business community.”
The Future Growth Grant Programme forms part of the Council's wider commitment to supporting regeneration, encouraging private sector investment and addressing the challenges associated with long-term vacancy and dereliction in the city centre. The Square Bistro will officially open its new premises at 26 Market Square on Thursday 24th September 2026.