Rural Investment Fund for Lisburn and Castlereagh

Scheme for new businesses wishing to renovate a vacant property or existing businesses repurposing current premises

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has developed a Rural Investment Fund funded through the COVID Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme.

Grant details

The scheme will assist eligible 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.

Preference will be given to business with on-street frontage and who are providing a service/business offering currently lacking in the village.

Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to 80% - maximum £30,000 (ex VAT).

You must demonstrate your contribution of a minimum 20% of the overall costs (ex VAT) has been secured.

What can be funded?

Funding is available for:

• Improvement works to vacant unit(s) which are required to improve the building and allow a business to commence trading.
• Replacement of doors/ windows/flooring, electrical works, plumbing works, minor construction works such as knocking down walls/ roof repairs etc ie any works required to allow a business to commence/continue trading may be considered.
• Internal modifications to vacant properties which includes shop fit-out, subdivision of, internal decorations, flooring, mechanical and electrical works with a view to improving the vacant property (written consent from property owner must be evidenced).
• External facades and signage.
• Maintenance works to include removal of redundant signage, cleaning (power washing), and clearing of debris and repairs of decorative features.

How to apply

An online information workshop will take place at 6pm on Thursday 13 October 2022. Businesses should email becky.colvin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk to attend.

First published 4 October 2022