Deadline Approaches For Antrim Town Centre Revamps Grant

Commercial businesses in Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to apply for a town centre revamp grant before it closes next month.

Applications remain open until Friday 10 December 2021 at 4pm for a grant to support the repurposing of vacant town centre commercial properties.

The grant is open to projects based in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne, and is managed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC).

Mike McNeill, Director of Scrabo Properties, encouraged other businesses to apply, after successfully securing the grant to convert the vacant first floor of a building in Carrickfergus.


"Our proposed project will create apartments at 3D Market Place in the centre of town, allowing us to complete the wider investment of the Townscape Heritage Initiative-funded site," he said.

"I would strongly encourage anyone interested to apply and avail of the scheme."

In order to apply to the Pilot Grant Scheme, total costs must be in excess of £10,000, with applicants contributing at least 50% match funding towards the project.

Whilst there is no maximum total project cost, the scheme will provide funding up to a maximum of £30,000 per project.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey added: "The Town Centre Property Scheme saw a successful first tranche and we want to continue to support the repurposing of vacant units and enable the regeneration of our town centres.

"Council's vision is that by focusing on regeneration initiatives such as this, we will ultimately help boost footfall in our town centres.

"I would urge the owners or leaseholders of vacant properties within town centre boundaries to check their eligibility for this scheme and to apply before the closing date of 10 December 2021."