Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has launched a Shop Front Revitalisation Scheme to help local businesses improve and invest in their shopfronts.

The scheme that is supported by the Department for Communities (DfC) is part of the Mid and East Antrim Revitalising Town Centres 2023/24 Programme. The grants scheme is available to businesses in the town centres of Ballymena, Larne, and Carrickfergus.

The Shop Front Revitalisation Scheme will launch on 8 November and will offer grants ranging from £500 to £4,999 for businesses to improve the appearance of commercial properties that front onto the streetscape in each of the town centres.

The Council and the DfC will also invest in improving the infrastructure and life of town centres.

Information workshops for those interested in the scheme will be held as follows:

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• Monday 6 November 2023 - Studio Theatre, Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena, 6pm - 7pm

• Monday 6 November 2023 - Jubilee Hall, Carrickfergus Town Hall, 6pm - 7pm

• Tuesday 7 November 2023 - McGarel Hall, Larne Town Hall, 6pm - 7pm

• Wednesday 8 November 2023 - Teams online session, 6pm - 7pm

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: "I am delighted to launch the Shop Front Revitalisation Scheme which will support improvement works on many town centre businesses across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne. This funding provides a much-needed means of support in these challenging times to help those who wish to invest in their properties within our towns.

"Council's vision is that by focusing on regeneration initiatives such as this, we will ultimately help boost footfall in our town centres. I would urge the owners or leaseholders of properties within town centre boundaries to check their eligibility for this scheme and pop along to the information workshops taking place on the 6, 7 & 8 November."

Gerard Murray, Director of Regional Development Office, Department For Communities said: "The Department for Communities has been working closely with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to deliver the Revitalising Town Centre 2023/24 programme which this funding is part of. It will contribute to improving the streetscapes across the three towns and, along with the other initiatives, will shape our public spaces to be more appealing to residents and visitors. I would encourage as many eligible businesses as possible to find out more and take up this opportunity."