Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council: The Rural Shopfront (Minor Works) Scheme

Overview

The Rural Shopfront (Minor Works) Scheme is funded through the COVID Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme.

It aims to support business owners and landlords of occupied business premises to carry out minor repairs and cosmetic improvements to their shopfronts with the purpose of creating a more pleasing environment and increasing civic pride.

As an extension of the Rural Shopfront Scheme it offers businesses situated within the following villages the opportunity to apply for a grant to improve their shop frontage: Aghalee, Annahilt, Ballinderry, Dromara, Drumbeg, Glenavy, Maghaberry, Milltown, and Moneyreagh.

The boundaries of these areas can be viewed in this link.

Allocation of funding

Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to 80% - maximum £12,500 (ex VAT).

You must demonstrate your contribution of a minimum 20% of the overall costs (ex VAT) has been paid. Please note the grant funding will be for works only excluding VAT.

Professional and statutory fees are not funded through this scheme.

Award of the grant will be at their discretion.

Who can apply?

The Rural Shopfront Scheme is open to all freehold owners and lease-holders with at least three years remaining on their lease and tenants of premises with commercial shop-frontage facing the street within the eligible small settlements.

Tenants must have the building owners' prior approval.

Commercial premises include (but are not limited to):

• retail shops
• hair and beauty salons
• hospitality e.g. restaurants, cafes and food takeaways
• financial and professional services e.g. banks, solicitors etc.
• buildings that are being used for a community service

Emil Becky Colvin if you are uncertain (details below).

What can be funded?

The Rural Shopfront (Minor Works) Scheme is available to eligible businesses wishing to undertake work that does not require any statutory permissions such as advertising consent or planning permission.

Funding is available for:

• painting of shopfront
• removal of wires, unwanted shutters, awnings
• new front door
• new windows
• cleaning and repair of gutters
• replacement awning
• installation of window boxes