Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has confirmed that two further schemes have secured support through the Future Growth Grant Programme, marking another significant step in the regeneration and economic development of Lisburn city centre.

Funding has been awarded to the Haslem Hotel Expansion Project and the McLean Mixed-Use Development. The initiatives are being co-financed by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the Department for Communities, together with substantial private-sector investment in the city centre.

Created to attract investment into underused and vacant premises, stimulate economic activity and underpin the long-term renewal of Lisburn city centre, the programme's latest awards build on its first funded scheme and underscore rising confidence in the area as a place for business growth and development.

The Haslem Hotel Expansion Project will help one of Lisburn's flagship hospitality businesses to scale up, strengthening the city's tourism and visitor offer while generating further economic activity at the heart of the city.

The McLean Mixed-Use Development will advance the redevelopment of a prominent city-centre property, delivering a mix of commercial and residential uses aimed at increasing footfall, boosting vibrancy and supporting sustainable renewal.

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Speaking about the awards, Chair of the Regeneration and Growth Committee, Alderman James Baird, said: "We are delighted to support both the Haslem Hotel Expansion Project and the McLean Mixed Use Development through the Future Growth Grant Programme. These projects demonstrate the ambition and confidence of local investors and developers who recognise the significant opportunities within Lisburn City Centre.

"Through the continued partnership between Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the Department for Communities, we are enabling investment that will deliver lasting benefits for our city. Both projects will play an important role in supporting regeneration, attracting further investment, increasing footfall and enhancing the overall vitality and attractiveness of the city centre."

Welcoming the funding, Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased to announce this Local Growth Fund investment of £200k for 2026/27, which will contribute to the regeneration and revitalisation of Lisburn City Centre in conjunction with the council. This funding boost will build on strong partnership working as we seek to support economic growth in the city centre."

The Minister continued: "Northern Ireland's high streets have some of the highest vacancy rates in the United Kingdom. My Department is focused on tackling vacancy and dereliction in towns, neighbourhoods, and city centres, transforming these areas into attractive places where people want to live, work and visit."

These latest awards highlight the positive momentum generated by the Future Growth Grant Programme and the shared commitment of the Council, the Department for Communities and private-sector partners to delivering transformative investment in Lisburn city centre.

Further information on both grant programmes is available on the council's website. The Local Growth Fund is a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government fund; more details can be found on GOV.UK.