Grant aid offer for businesses to help boost Antrim and Newtownabbey evening economy
Businesses in Antrim and Newtownabbey are to be offered grant aid in a bid to boost the night time economy.
The borough council’s Economic Development Committee has approved a grant of £60,000 to deliver the programme, with support of a consultant, for up to 25 participants.
A report presented to the committee said: “A vibrant and sustainable evening economy is a key component of a thriving local economy. It contributes significantly to employment, business turnover and the overall vitality, safety and attractiveness of town centres outside of traditional daytime hours.”
It was also stated: “The hospitality sector is central to the success of the evening economy.”
However, councillors were told local businesses have indicated challenges in “sustaining profitable evening trade” including increased operating costs, particularly energy and staffing, as well as growing competition from alternative leisure and changing consumer behaviour.
"As a result, many businesses report reduced evening footfall and shorter trading hours, which can have a negative impact on town centre vibrancy and perceptions of safety and activity after dark,” the report continued.
"There is therefore a clear need for targeted intervention to support businesses in enhancing their evening offer, attracting new audiences, and encouraging people to remain in or return to town centres during evening hours.”
Councillors were reminded the local authority delivered a programme in partnership with Tourism NI in 2022 which was said to have been “successful in driving participation and business engagement”.
It also reportedly “demonstrated the potential for structured programmes to stimulate activity beyond daytime hours”.
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It was noted several participating businesses continued to deliver “evening-focused initiatives beyond the programme, highlighting the longer-term benefits of targeted support”, the report said.
The proposed evening economy grant programme will support hospitality businesses across the borough to “develop, extend and enhance their evening trading offer”, councillors were informed.
Speaking at the meeting, Threemilewater DUP Councillor Mark Cooper BEM said he represented a “thriving” DEA (District Electoral Area) and asked if the programme will be open “borough-wide”.
"Sometimes we can get too much focus on the towns,” he commented. An officer confirmed that the initiative would be “borough-wide”.
Cllr Cooper proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the delivery of the evening economy grant programme, seconded by Airport Sinn Fein Cllr Maighréad Ní Chonghaile.