Additional £700k Funding Secured to Boost Jobs and Vibrancy on Belfast’s Arterial Routes

Belfast City Council has secured an additional £700,000 in funding to continue transforming vacant properties and stimulating economic activity along the city’s arterial routes through its successful Vacant to Vibrant Citywide programme.

The new funding package includes £500,000 from the Department for Communities and £200,000 from Belfast City Council, reinforcing a proven regeneration initiative that has already delivered jobs, increased footfall, and strengthened local neighbourhoods across the city.

What Is Vacant to Vibrant Citywide?

Vacant to Vibrant Citywide is a grant programme designed to bring empty commercial properties back into productive use by supporting businesses, charities, arts organisations, and social economy enterprises.

The scheme offers:

• Capital grants between £2,500 and £25,000
• A matchmaking service linking property owners with suitable tenants
• Wraparound business support from Belfast City Council officers

The programme builds on a successful pilot in Belfast city centre and is now delivering citywide impact along major arterial routes.

Proven Results Across Belfast

The programme has already demonstrated strong economic and social returns.

Key outcomes to date include:

• 24 grants awarded in the first Citywide round
• Around 83 direct jobs created
• For every £1 invested, an estimated £1.79 returned in rates income
• 72 properties refurbished across city centre and citywide schemes
• 25 historic buildings restored
• An estimated £4.4 million in rates income generated
• 220 direct employment opportunities created overall

With this new funding round, a further 35 businesses and organisations are expected to be supported.

Strong Political and Departmental Support

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly

The Lord Mayor welcomed the renewed investment, highlighting the tangible benefits for communities and the local economy.

She said the programme is not only bringing vacant properties back into use but is also creating jobs, diversifying neighbourhood offerings, and making Belfast a more attractive place to live, work, and invest.

She also encouraged businesses, property owners, arts organisations, charities, and social economy enterprises to apply for the latest funding round.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons praised the programme as a model of effective collaboration.

He said the Department for Communities is proud to support an initiative that is breathing new life into vacant properties, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and delivering lasting positive impact across Belfast’s neighbourhoods.

Businesses and Organisations Already Supported

A wide range of creative, commercial, and community-led projects have already benefited from Vacant to Vibrant Citywide funding, including:

• Array Arts Collective relocating to Loopland Drive, East Belfast
• Belfast Makerspace transforming a former church into a creative community hub
• Bread and Banjo Bakery establishing production premises on Templemore Avenue
• Brilliant Minds Tutoring refurbishing workshop space on Suffolk Avenue
• Charlie’s Pizza opening a restaurant on the Ormeau Road
• The Orange Hall, Clifton Street restored as a tourism destination
• Pancake Studios creating a film and media hub on the Limestone Road
• Riot Cycle opening Belfast’s first boutique spin studio at King’s Square
• West Belfast Partnership Board expanding health services on the Glen Road
• Wrapped Up Belfast restoring retail space for local artists on Ormeau Road

How to Apply for Vacant to Vibrant Citywide Funding

The programme is now open for applications from eligible businesses and organisations seeking to locate on Belfast’s arterial routes.

Applicants can access:

• Grant funding for refurbishment and fit-out
• Professional property matching support
• Business advice to support long-term success

To learn more about eligibility, application deadlines, and upcoming funding information sessions, visit: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/vacanttovibrant

Why Vacant to Vibrant Citywide Matters

This initiative delivers measurable value by:

• Reducing vacancy and dereliction
• Supporting local employment
• Increasing footfall and vibrancy
• Preserving historic buildings
• Strengthening neighbourhood economies

It is a clear example of how targeted regeneration funding can deliver both economic growth and community benefit.