Marvin OnumonuBelfast City Council has secured an extra £700,000 to bring more jobs and activity to the city’s arterial routes.
This comes from £500,000 provided by the Department for Communities and £200,000 from Belfast City Council itself.
The funding aims to help property owners and occupiers bring empty properties back into use in local neighbourhoods.
The first phase of the Vacant to Vibrant Citywide programme, piloted in the city centre, has already started to change vacant properties into new spaces for businesses and organisations on arterial routes.
This was supported by £300,000 from the Department for Communities and £219,000 from the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The initial 24 grants have led to about 83 direct jobs, and for every £1 invested, it is estimated that at least £1.79 is returned in rates income over the lease term.
The new round of funding is expected to support around 35 more businesses and organisations to help revitalise arterial routes.
So far, 72 properties have been refurbished, including 25 historic buildings.
The scheme has generated an estimated £4.4m in rates income and created 220 direct jobs.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly (pictured, right), said: “I’m delighted that the Department for Communities is co-investing again in what has proven to be a really effective regeneration initiative.
“Not only is Vacant to Vibrant Citywide bringing unused properties along our arterial routes back into use, the businesses and organisations we’ve funded are creating employment opportunities, they’re bringing a more diverse offer to neighbourhoods and, together, we’re making Belfast a more attractive place to visit, live and invest in.
“Both Vacant to Vibrant City Centre and Citywide have been a resounding success for council – and for the city’s regeneration.”
Kelly added: “Together, they’ve resulted in 72 properties being refurbished so far, and 25 of those are historic buildings.
“The funding has generated an estimated £4.4m rate income and created 220 direct employment opportunities to date.
“We’ve demonstrated that this kind of incentive really delivers results in both social and economic terms, bringing vibrancy and driving footfall, and I encourage businesses, property owners, arts organisations, charities and social economy businesses to apply now for support to establish themselves on our arterial routes.”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (pictured, left) said: “I am proud that my department has been able to make a significant investment that has enabled the extension of this highly successful Vacant to Vibrant citywide programme.
“This initiative will continue to breathe new life into vacant properties across Belfast, support local businesses, create jobs, and make a lasting positive impact on neighbourhoods across the city.
“This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved through effective collaboration, working together to regenerate neighbourhoods and make a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives.”
Lyons added: “My department remains firmly committed to working in partnership with councils to revitalise our urban spaces and ensure they thrive for generations to come.”
