The Vacant to Vibrant capital grant scheme aims to reduce vacancy, address dereliction and support local independent businesses in the city centre and across Belfast. Vacant to Vibrant provides capital grants to incentivise and support property owners and potential occupiers in bringing vacant properties back into use.
The council has now secured funding of up to £500,000 from the Department for Communities and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to extend the scheme across the wider council boundary, including arterial routes into the city.
Grants are also still available for those located within the city centre.
Applications for capital grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are welcome from interested property owners with vacant premises to let, and businesses (including business start-ups, independent retailers, social enterprises, cultural and voluntary organisations) looking for new locations in local neighbourhoods who are keen to establish or expand their offering in Belfast.
The grants can be used to support the external and internal works needed to reactivate a space or to help with fitout costs, with full details available from belfastcity.gov.uk/vacanttovibrant
Information sessions will also take place on:
• Wednesday 27 November – 9.30am-12.30pm – North City Business Centre, Duncairn Gardens
• Wednesday 27 November – 2pm-5pm – Ashton Centre
• Thursday 28 November – 9am-12pm – LORAG
• Thursday 28 November – 5.30pm-7.30pm – Eastside Partnership offices
• Wednesday 4 December – 9:30am-12:30pm – Cregagh Sports Club
• Sandy Row – TBC
The sessions are ‘drop-in’ and do not need to be booked in advance however we would be happy to arrange an in-person, online or telephone meeting if you would like to discuss your proposal further. Additional information sessions may be arranged depending on demand, please keep an eye on our webpage and Belfast City Council social media platforms for scheme updates.
If you would like to request an application pack or to set up a meeting with a member of the team please contact: vacanttovibrant@belfastcity.gov.uk