£280,000 funding helps to boost Lisburn and Castlereagh Council towns

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, has announced funding of £280,000 to revitalise Lisburn, Castlereagh, Carryduff and Dundonald.

The funding for the ‘Strategic Revitalisation Project’ will enhance and complement works already undertaken in the towns and will include:

• The fit out of 10 vacant units in Lisburn City Centre
• The purchase of 30 market stalls for use at Council events throughout the whole Council area
• The improvement of disabled / pram access between the retail core in Lisburn City Centre and green space via Castle Gardens at the edge of the Lisburn Cathedral
• An evening economy development program for approx 15 businesses across the borough
• A month long light festival in December in Lisburn City Centre; and
• a PR/Marketing campaign for the whole of the Council area.

Minister Storey said: “Officials from my Department and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council have worked very closely with local traders to develop this tailored package which targets the commercial cores of Lisburn, Castlereagh, Carryduff and Dundonald.

“Not only will it address environmental issues such as vacancy and dereliction, it will also assist local traders to develop their business practices and promote the development of an evening economy.

“This consultative approach has been key to developing this unique programme of works and demonstrates how well the new Council is working as a team to deliver initiatives which will benefit all of its residents.”

The £280,000 Strategic Revitalisation Project was developed following input from local independent traders. The Department for Social Development (DSD) is providing £200,000 with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council providing £80,000.  The Council will manage the individual contracts in each area.

Minister Storey added: “This financial assistance for businesses and traders will increase footfall and encourage shoppers, visitors, and tourists to spend time and money within the commercial centres of Lisburn, Castlereagh, Carryduff and Dundonald. I wish the Council well with the project and look forward to seeing the completed work.”

The Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett said: “The contribution from DSD towards this strategic project is welcomed by the Council.  It will assist businesses and property owners across the commercial centres of Lisburn City Centre, Carryduff and Dundonald with delivering new initiatives that aim at attracting and retaining visitors to drive footfall and ultimately enhance the economy.

“It will also give people opportunities to experience new events, businesses and services that they may not have seen anywhere else before and really showcase the environment and areas where the private sector has invested that make it a much more enjoyable experience for all.  The Council will also be investing £80,000 into the project to further enhance the significant contribution being made by the Department and demonstrates their commitment to working in partnership and making a real difference.”

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries please contact the DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9494 or alternatively email press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. For out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

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