New Town Business ‘Spruce Up’ Scheme Launched
A new Town Business ‘Spruce Up’ Scheme has been launched by Mid Ulster District Council, funded by the Department for Communities.
Eligible businesses and commercial properties, within the town centre boundaries, of the towns of Dungannon, Cookstown, Magherafelt, and Coalisland can apply for grant aid through the scheme which will provide up to 80% funding to a maximum amount of £4,000 per property. The allocation of funding is a competitive process.
Funding has been secured through Department for Communities and can only be utilised within the town centre boundaries, of settlements with a population of over 5,000 inhabitants.
The scheme will incorporate minor internal and external improvements to eligible properties, including external windows, doors, guttering and redecoration and reconfiguration to improve public accessibility, internal walls, floors and redecoration.
Drop-in business clinics will take place in each of the four towns to provide property owners and tenants with advice and information on the scheme, with representatives from the scheme’s chartered architect Knox & Clayton in attendance. Drop-in clinics will take place:
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Monday 26 February 9.30am-1.30pm - Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon
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Monday 26 February 2.30pm-5.30pm - Cornmill, Coalisland
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Tuesday 27 February 9.30am-1.30pm - The Bridewell, Magherafelt
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Tuesday 27 February 2.30pm-5.30pm - Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown
Launching the scheme, Chair of the Council, Councillor Dominic Molloy, said:
This is a great opportunity for commercial property owners and tenants in the four towns to benefit from substantial support to enhance customer-facing areas both inside and outside their premises. By providing the scheme and delivering these visible external and internal improvements we are making businesses more appealing to customers in today’s very competitive market. I encourage all eligible businesses to apply and look forward to seeing the impressive results in due course.
A spokesperson for Department for Communities said: “We are delighted to provide funding for this scheme and view it as a welcome boost for a number of town centres within the Mid Ulster District Council area.
“In line with the Department’s regeneration policy, these anticipated improvements will not only benefit traders, but also visitors and those living in Dungannon, Cookstown, Magherafelt and Coalisland.
“We would encourage property owners and tenants in these four towns to engage with and learn more about the scheme by attending the forthcoming business clinics.”
Applications open at 9am on Monday 19 February 2024 and close at 4pm on Friday 8 March 2024. Find out more about the Town Business Spruce Up Scheme. Guidance Notes and Application Form will be downloadable when the scheme opens on Monday 19 February 2024.