Vacant unit gets welcome revamp thanks to Town Centre Property Repurposing Pilot Grant Scheme

A vacant unit in Fairhill Shopping Centre has received a welcome boost thanks to funding from the Town Centre Property Repurposing Pilot Grant Scheme.

The scheme, which is managed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC), aims to support regeneration initiatives and boost footfall in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council town centres; Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne.

The funding was available through the DfC Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme, in addition to co-investment from Council.

Ballymena-based Magmel (Ballymena) Limited applied for the grant in 2022 having purchased Fairhill Shopping Centre in 2021. The owners saw an opportunity through the funding scheme to regenerate a unit within the centre. Their application under Tranche 2 was successful and they received grant funding of £12,750 from total project costs of £25,500 to upgrade the unit which was previously occupied by Easons.

Ryan Walker, Director of Magmel (Ballymena) Limited commented: “The grant was used to assist in the refurbishment project and included electrical works and fit out which helped us to modernise the previously vacant unit in one of the main retail areas of Ballymena’s town centre”. Ryan added: “We are confident this investment will help drive further businesses to establish themselves in Fairhill Shopping Centre and help increase footfall into the town.”

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna added: “The Town Centre Property Repurposing Pilot Grant Scheme provided a fantastic opportunity for applicants to secure funding to assist capital development and repurposing works on vacant town centre commercial properties”. She added “Thank you to Magmel Limited who due to their successful application refurbished a prime retail space within Ballymena town centre.”

The Town Centre Property Repurposing Pilot Grant Scheme is closed for applications.  If you require information on business support initiatives in Mid and East Antrim or are seeking space to locate in the Borough visit www.investmideastantrim.com