Local Economic Partnership Launches £2.6 Million Revive and Reimagine Commercial Property Grants

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Local Economic Partnership is delighted to launch two property grant schemes worth a combined £2.6 million, funded through the Department for the Economy’s Regional Balance Fund.

The funding includes a £2 million Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant and a £600,000 Property Façade Renewal Scheme. Both grant schemes will open for applications on Tuesday 16 June 2026 and are designed to support the regeneration of commercial centres across the district.

The Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine grant will support the regeneration of derelict, vacant and underutilised commercial properties in both rural and urban settlements. Grants ranging from £50,000 to £200,000 will be available, providing up to 50% public sector funding, matched by a 50% private sector contribution. 

Eligible works include structural repairs and refurbishment, conversion works, upper floor reactivation, site clearance and preparation works and improvements required to enable occupation and support the long-term sustainable use of properties. Applications to the Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant closes on Tuesday 8 September. 

The Property Façade Renewal Scheme will provide grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to owners and eligible leaseholders of occupied commercial premises on St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick. St Patrick’s Avenue was selected as the first area for investment through the Property Façade Renewal Scheme following a condition survey undertaken in 2025 as part of the wider Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework.

The scheme offers 50% public sector funding, matched by a 50% private sector contribution to support the sympathetic restoration of shopfronts and, where appropriate, the reintroduction of traditional shopfront features to create a more attractive, cohesive and vibrant commercial streetscape, while respecting the street’s historic character. 

Applications for the Property Façade Renewal Scheme will close on Tuesday 11 August 2026.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “This £2.6 million investment, made available through my Department’s Regional Balance Fund, will play an important role in bringing vacant and underused properties back into productive use, creating vibrant, sustainable commercial spaces and driving economic growth across the district.

“Local Economic Partnerships are central to my commitment of improving regional balance, supporting collaborative working and empowering local areas to shape their own economic future. It is particularly encouraging to see the delivery of Newry, Mourne and Down’s Action Plan and I look forward to the tangible economic benefits this investment will deliver.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said: “These grant schemes will help revitalise commercial centres by supporting the reuse of vacant properties, encouraging the development of new businesses and enabling existing enterprises to expand.

“By unlocking the potential of underused buildings and improving the appearance of our town centres, these schemes will help increase economic activity, enhance footfall and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and local businesses across the district.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested and eligible to attend one of the upcoming information sessions to find out more about the opportunities available.”

Information sessions on both schemes and their application process will be held with Council officers representing the Local Economic Partnership, Planning, Building Control and Go Succeed at:

• Down County Museum, Downpatrick – Wednesday 17 June, 2pm to 4pm
• Killeavy Castle Estate, Killeavy – Tuesday 23 June, 12noon to 2pm

Further details on the grant schemes, including criteria, applicant guidance notes and information session details, will be published on the Council’s Local Ecnomic Partnership page from Tuesday 16 June.