Regeneration projects in Portrush, County Antrim, which were bolstered by a significant £1.4million investment have successfully been completed, Northern Ireland Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced.

The grant funding was achieved through the Portrush Urban Development Grant (UDG) programme, which aims to re-invigorate town centres by encouraging private sector investment to bring vacant, derelict, and underused land and buildings back into use.

The UDG scheme supported the redevelopment of three prominent, listed properties in the Portrush area, as well as a new-build development on a previously derelict site in Portrush town centre.

The department's funding enabled the regeneration of the former railway station at 16c Eglinton Street, the former Northern Bank building at No. 60 Main Street, Marcus Hotel (formerly the Londonderry Hotel) on the junction of Main Street/Atlantic Avenue, as well as a new-build apartment and retail block at Dunluce Avenue.

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The funding has also helped to unlock property owner investment, which has led to a total investment in the properties of over £16million.

Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased that my department has been able to provide financial support to assist with the regeneration of three historically significant landmark properties and the development of a derelict site within Portrush town centre.

"The financial assistance offered through this grant programme has encouraged the private sector to invest in the built heritage of the town which, in turn, has given a much-needed boost to residents and visitors. In addition to preserving these historic buildings, the projects have contributed to job creation and enhanced the quality of the tourism offering to confirm Portrush as one of Northern Ireland’s top holiday destinations."

The Portrush Urban Development Grant scheme was one element of the wider Portrush Regeneration Programme, which has seen investment in projects including the Portrush town centre public realm scheme, the new railway station and the environmental improvements at Landsdowne/Ramore area.

The Minister concluded: "This substantial investment in Portrush will promote commercial and residential opportunities within the town centre and address economic decline, as well as encouraging town centre living, which I believe is key to sustainable regeneration in the future."