Mid Ulster District has launched a new Town Business 'Spruce Up' Scheme.

Eligible businesses and commercial properties, within the town centre boundaries, of the towns of Dungannon, Cookstown, Magherafelt, and Coalisland can apply for grant aid through the scheme.

The scheme which is funded by the Department for Communities can provide up to 80 per cent of funding to maximum amount of £4,000 per property.

The plan will integrate minor improvements both inside and outside eligible properties, such as upgrading external windows, doors, and guttering, as well as redecorating and reconfiguring to enhance public accessibility. This includes improvements to internal walls, floors, and redecoration.

Drop-in business clinics will take place in each of the four towns to provide property owners and tenants with advice and information on the scheme, with representatives from the scheme's chartered architect Knox & Clayton in attendance. Drop-in clinics will take place:

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• Monday 26 February 9.30am-1.30pm - Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon

• Monday 26 February 2.30pm-5.30pm - Cornmill, Coalisland

• Tuesday 27 February 9.30am-1.30pm - The Bridewell, Magherafelt

• Tuesday 27 February 2.30pm-5.30pm - Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown

Chair of the Council, Councillor Dominic Molloy, said:

"This is a great opportunity for commercial property owners and tenants in the four towns to benefit from substantial support to enhance customer-facing areas both inside and outside their premises. By providing the scheme and delivering these visible external and internal improvements we are making businesses more appealing to customers in today’s very competitive market. I encourage all eligible businesses to apply and look forward to seeing the impressive results in due course."

A spokesperson for Department for Communities said: "We are delighted to provide funding for this scheme and view it as a welcome boost for a number of town centres within the Mid Ulster District Council area.

"In line with the Department’s regeneration policy, these anticipated improvements will not only benefit traders, but also visitors and those living in Dungannon, Cookstown, Magherafelt and Coalisland.

"We would encourage property owners and tenants in these four towns to engage with and learn more about the scheme by attending the forthcoming business clinics."

Applications open at 9.00 am on 19 February 2024 and close at 4.00 pm on 8 March 2024.