Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council have allocated £2 million of its' 24/25 budget to support regeneration and economic growth initiatives for the city centre through a capital grant scheme.

The pilot scheme for Lisburn City Centre to encourage property owners and potential occupiers to bring vacant city centre premises and spaces back to life is now open.

Expressions of interest are now being accepted for the pilot stage of this fund. Properties located in Antrim Street, Bow Street, Railway Street, Bridge Street, Castle Street, Market Street, and Market Square are eligible for support. The closing date for submissions is 5 PM on Friday 2 August 2024. Feedback received during this stage will help shape the subsequent phases of the grant process.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor John Laverty BEM, Regeneration and Growth Chairman said: "We hope our £2m capital grant scheme will encourage a diverse range of development opportunities to be investigated. As a council we want to see vacant space brought back to life either as retail, office or living space.

"Our Economic and Regeneration Growth Fund received cross-party support as a mechanism to shape our city to be inclusive and leave a legacy for future generations. Through diversification we can support the provision of new jobs alongside ensuring job retention within a vibrant city centre."

David Burns, Chief Executive added: "From listening to our businesses, property developers, Lisburn Chamber of Commerce and our residents, we see opportunities to reinvigorate the historic market town buzz that Lisburn once had.

"We take great pride in the cleanliness, customer loyalty to businesses and low levels of crime we experience in Lisburn. I hope this investment will reinvigorate our shopping district and increase the offering through more small independent retailers and businesses."