Vacant to Vibrant Capital Grants Scheme
28 November 2024
Deadline:
The Vacant to Vibrant scheme was due to finish at the end of July 2024 however it has been extended until the remaining funding has been fully exhausted. Applications are awarded on a first come first serve basis. If you are still interested in the scheme, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.
Important!
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:
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Wednesday 4 December – 9:30am-12:30pm – Cregagh Sports Club
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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.
For more information, check out Vacant to Vibrant on Belfast City Council’s website.
The Vacant to Vibrant team have also refreshed their application pack documentation: Guidance Notes and Application Form, see attached below. These will come into effect from Friday 1 November so if you are preparing an application, please use the new documents going forward.
Vacant to Vibrant – Application Form Oct24
Vacant to Vibrant – Guidance Notes Oct24
Reminder: Back in Business scheme 50% rates discount for up to two years
The Back in Business scheme offers businesses a 50 per cent rates discount for up to two years if they occupy a vacant shop unit. The concession applies to any business ratepayer who moves into premises which were previously used for retail purposes and have been unoccupied for 12 months or more. Find out more at www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/backinbusiness
Hear from successful applicants:
Watch this two-minute, 22-second video to hear about how the Vacant to Vibrant capital grant scheme has supported organisations and businesses in Belfast to grow: https://youtu.be/_yuM2DhY0SQ