A Belfast-based Vacant to Vibrant scheme is helping to revitalise businesses within the city centre.

The scheme provides funding to bring vacant properties back into use, creating new jobs and enhancing the city centre's vibrancy.

"It's fantastic to see new business growth and new vibrancy in Belfast city centre thanks to our Vacant to Vibrant funding," said Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee.

"Several of these buildings have lain unoccupied for years – and I applaud the people reinvigorating these properties for their vision, energy, and commitment."

Bodega Bagels, a popular New York-style bagel shop and deli, recently opened on Royal Avenue thanks to Vacant to Vibrant funding.

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"The Vacant to Vibrant scheme has supported us to set up the shop including new bakery equipment – in a part of the city that's really booming thanks to the Ulster University campus," said Steven Orr, owner of Bodega Bagels.

"The trade from passing footfall is fantastic – from students to office workers, visitors and more. This support from Belfast City Council has really helped us scale up – at speed!"

Arts Ekta, a multi-award-winning cultural organisation, is also using Vacant to Vibrant funding to transform a five-story building on Fountain Street into a cultural and creative hub.

Recognizing the success of the scheme, Belfast City Council has secured £500,000 from the Department for Communities and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to extend Vacant to Vibrant citywide. Property owners and potential occupiers are encouraged to contact the Vacant to Vibrant team to learn more about the application process.

For contact details, and to find out more about the Vacant to Vibrant funding available in the city centre and city wide, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/vacanttovibrant