Shopfront Improvement Scheme open for business!

Monday 9 September 2024

The first phase, which ran from December 2023 to April 2024, distributed £250,000 of funding to 78 town centre businesses - all benefiting from 80% grant funding to improve the overall appearance of their shop front.

The second phase of the grant scheme has been extended and will be available for eligible businesses in the town centres of Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus and Greenisland.

The grants ranging from £500 to £4,999, will help to support the improvement of the overall appearance of commercial properties that front onto the streetscape in each of the town centres.

The scheme opens on Monday 16 September 2024 for a period of 7 weeks, closing on Friday 1 November 2024 - subject to availability of funds. To find out more, a series of information workshops will take place in the following locations:

• Monday 9 September: Jubilee Hall, Carrickfergus Town Hall, 6pm – 7pm
• Tuesday 10 September: Conference Suite, Curran Court Hotel, Larne, 7.30pm – 8.30pm
• Wednesday 11 September: Studio Theatre, Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena, 6pm – 7pm
• Monday 16 September: 6pm – 7pm online on Microsoft Teams 

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said: “This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to local business owners looking to enhance their shopfronts. By improving the exterior appearance of our shops, we can create a vibrant streetscape that reflects the unique character of our local town centres.

“Investing in our local businesses is investing in our community. A well-maintained shopfront not only enhances the appeal of the business but also contributes to the overall economic health of our towns. I encourage all eligible business owners to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the scheme.”

Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA, said: “I am delighted that my department is able to further support local businesses in the Mid & East Antrim town centres. The first phase of this scheme in early 2024 was a clear success with many properties being improved - both helping their individual business offering and also helping to create a better streetscape for everyone to enjoy.

“We can now build on that success with this second phase of the Town Centre Shop Front Revitalisation Scheme. Those who were not previously able to apply for funding, have another opportunity to enhance their shopfronts and benefit from the scheme.”

The Department for Communities is also supporting Mid & East Antrim Borough Council in some marketing activity for the town centres under the same project. The funding received will support the Christmas marketing campaign across the three towns, showcasing the unique offering of each town and encouraging festive shoppers. A shop local campaign will also be developed with the aim to drive footfall in the early start of 2025 gaining momentum to Spring and will include, indoor, outdoor, digital and radio.

For more information, or to register your attendance for one of the workshops, please email: revitalise@midandeastantrim.gov.uk