Extension to Antrim and Newtownabbey's shopfront improvement scheme approved

The council’s Economic Development Committee approved the delivery of phase three of the scheme.

The programme covers minor works including painting, signage, window dressing and other visual improvements. Eligible businesses can apply for a grant of almost £5k at a grant rate of 80%.

A committee report said: “The aim of the Out of Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Programme is to visually enhance commercial areas outside town centres, improving the overall appearance of the streetscape, changing the way residents and visitors view local retail areas and aiming to attract more shoppers and boost local trade.”

The total budget approved for the Out of Town Shopfront Improvement Programme was £250k to be implemented in stages during the council term from 2023 until 2027, starting with businesses in Abbots Cross, Hillview, Monkstown and Carnmoney Village.

The most recent call for applications closed on September 25. Two grant applications were successful and are in line for awards of almost £7k.

Phase three of the initiative will include businesses in Whiteabbey. In addition, a review of criteria will enable others in commercial areas, neighbourhood centres or clusters of commercial premises outside a town centre to apply.

Separately, members approved 19 grant awards totalling almost £71k under phase four, the final phase of theDfC (Department for Communities) Urban Town Centre Shop Frontage Scheme. Local businesses can access a maximum grant of almost £5k for improvements.

The committee report said: “The key programme objectives are to improve and enhance the visual streetscape of commercial areas within the town centres to improve the visitor experience and footfall, support local businesses and to seek to reduce physical decline across the town centres.”

Members were advised that the remaining programme budget for phase four is approximately £116k, comprising £80,522 from DfC and £35,613 from the council.

They were told that the final underspend will be confirmed and reported back to the Economic Development Committee..