LCC Council Reopens Rural Shopfront Scheme

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has launched another funding round for its Rural Shopfront Scheme.

The initiative is designed to assist eligible businesses in making minor alterations or repairs to their shopfronts or enhancing their facades for the summer season through activities such as painting or installing new window boxes.

The Rural Shopfront (Minor Works) Scheme forms a part of the council's COVID-19 Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, supported by funding from the Department for Communities, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and the Department for Infrastructure.

Speaking about this new round of the Rural Shopfront Scheme, DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir said: "My Department through the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme continues to work in partnership across central and local government to deliver partnership projects which are helping to regenerate rural villages and town centres.


"This partnership approach to delivery has a catalysing effect on rural settlements, creating additional opportunities for increased social interaction and economic regeneration, which in turn benefits our economy and helps address social isolation issues in rural areas. I am delighted that the rural shopfront scheme is continuing to support our rural businesses by providing funding for projects that improve the visuality of buildings in rural areas hence creating a more vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors to come and enjoy."

Alderman Amanda Grehan, Regeneration & Growth Committee Chair stated: "The results of existing investment from the Small Settlements Programme have been very welcome and the results are clear to see. This is the third round of Rural Shopfront Scheme funding for our small towns and villages. I would encourage any interested business to consider taking up this opportunity for financial support towards shopfront improvements."

To be eligible for a Small Settlements Rural Shopfront (Minor Works) grant, a business must be located within one of the following villages: Aghalee; Annahilt; Ballinderry; Dromara; Drumbeg; Glenavy; Maghaberry; Milltown or Moneyreagh.