Owners of vacant commercial properties and prospective tenants hoping to occupy vacant premises in the borough’s city, towns or villages are being encouraged to apply to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s ‘Fit For Future’ grant scheme.
In a bid to bring vacant properties back into use, the Council is offering capital grants of up to £20,000 to support external and internal renovation projects, with applicants able to access up to 80% of the total eligible project costs.
This grant, which is part-funded by the Department for Communities, is aimed at property owners or prospective tenants who wish to undertake internal property improvement works to enhance functionality and appearance of a property and make it fit for use. Small external works if included as part of a larger scheme, such as improvements to the frontage or façade of the property, can also be funded as part of this grant.
To be eligible for funding, qualifying properties must be vacant for 2 years or more and be located within the boundaries of the borough’s villages, towns or city. Applications are welcome from potential new tenants seeking a minimum two-year lease in an eligible property.
It is anticipated that this innovative regeneration initiative will help support the borough’s revitalisation by tackling long-term vacancy, enhancing streetscapes, providing more modern and fit-for-purpose buildings as well as creating employment opportunities.
Before the scheme opens for expressions of interest applications on Friday 10 May, Council Officers will be running a phone clinic (0330 056 1170) on Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 May between 9am and 1pm for anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme.
The closing date for expression of interest applications is 12 noon on Friday 21 June 2024.
To find out more about the scheme, visit armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/fit-for-future.
