A programme focused on bringing vacant properties back into use across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) borough has begun.

The £1.1 million Empty to Occupied Programme launched with the commencement of the first project in Banbridge Town Centre.

Funded by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the Department for Communities, the innovative regeneration Programme will help transform a total of 11 derelict or vacant properties across the borough into attractive, high-spec and fit-for-purpose buildings.

Visiting the site of 5 Bridge Street in Banbridge to see the scheme's first project kick off, Lord Mayor Greenfield got to hear about the renovation plans, which will see the development of a new ground floor retail unit and two self-contained apartments on the upper floors, helping bring the property back into commercial use and support the local economy within the town centre.

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Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield said: "Last week's visit was an important development in council's plans to reduce commercial vacancy and encourage economic growth across the borough, which is why I am delighted to see the beginning of the capital phase of the Empty to Occupied Programme.

"Breathing new life into key urban locations across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, the Programme's projects will range from the regeneration of gap sites to the transformation of retail and commercial residential sites, helping bring them back into use and support the borough's revitalisation."

The Empty to Occupied Programme will support the delivery of 11 renovation projects across Armagh, Tandragee, Banbridge, Lurgan and Portadown, bringing a total investment of more than £2.2 million to the borough by 2024.