Lisburn and Castlereagh Small Settlements Grant Schemes

Invitation for expressions of interest to the Small Settlements Grant Schemes for businesses

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has developed three grant schemes to provide businesses located within small settlements with the opportunity to apply for a grant towards capital costs for interior and exterior improvements.

Small settlements are defined as areas with a population of between 1,000 and 4,999 and include Aghalee, Annahilt, Ballinderry, Dromara, Drumbeg, Glenavy, Hillsborough, Maghaberry, Milltown, Moira and Moneyreagh.

Rural Investment Fund

This scheme assists new businesses wishing to renovate a vacant property, or an existing business planning to diversify their current offer through repurposing an unused area within their premises.

Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to 80% - maximum £30,000 (ex VAT) and must be able to demonstrate that their contribution of a minimum 20% of the overall costs (ex VAT) has been secured.

Heritage Shopfront Scheme

This grant supports businesses located within Hillsborough or Moira, whose shop fronts currently sit outside of planning regulations, from a heritage perspective, and helps businesses to sympathetically repair or replace their shop front façade and signage to conform to the conservation guidelines.

The aim of the scheme is to create a more pleasing environment by improving heritage shop fronts, resulting in wider benefits for the public realm and civic pride.

Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to 80% - maximum £12,500 (ex VAT) and must be able to demonstrate that their contribution of a minimum 20% of the overall costs (ex VAT) has been secured.

Rural Shopfront Scheme

The Rural Shopfront Scheme supports businesses located in small settlements (excluding Moira and Hillsborough) to create a more pleasing environment by improving shop fronts to benefit the business, the rural village and increase civic pride.

Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to 80% - maximum £12,500 (ex VAT). You must demonstrate your contribution of a minimum 20% of the overall costs (ex VAT) has been paid.

Find out more about the Lisburn and Castlereagh Small Settlements Grant Schemes.

First published 26 February 2024