Vacant to Vibrant scheme for Belfast city centre

Funding is still available for commercial property owners keen to take city centre spaces from vacant to vibrant

Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant Capital Grant Scheme aims to bring vacant Belfast city centre spaces back into use and support the city centre’s revitalisation.

The scheme has allocated over £300,000 to support start-ups, independent retailers, social enterprises and cultural and voluntary organisations to make the Belfast city centre offering more diverse and transform vacant spaces to become vibrant.

So far, 17 successful applicants have breathed new life into Belfast city centre, with many more progressing.

Grants from £2,500 to £25,000 are available to cover external and internal works, including equipment to make the property fit for use.

Further support

Applicants will also benefit from wraparound support from the council’s Enterprise and Business Growth team, providing resources to support the start-up or expansion of the business or organisation, including access to one-to-one mentoring and workshops to help with growth and long-term sustainability.

To be eligible for funding, the city centre property must have been vacant for at least 12 months. 

To find out more and apply for the scheme, email vacanttovibrant@belfastcity.gov.uk to request an application pack containing the guidance notes, application and relevant templates.

Find out more about the Vacant to Vibrant Capital Grant Scheme.

First published 11 December 2023