Council doubles town centre revamp funding after strong take-up from local businesses in MEA

Wellington Street in Ballymena town centre

Mid and East Antrim councillors have agreed to double funding for the Town Centre Revamp Refresh initiative after almost 100 businesses across the borough applied for support.

A report presented to the borough council’s Environment and Economy Committee at a meeting in The Braid, Ballymena, on Monday evening revealed there were 47 applications from Ballymena, 28 from Carrickfergus and 22 from Larne.

The report stated that £40,000 was allocated to the programme in September last year, with a maximum grant of £1,000 available to each successful applicant.

The funding can be used for internal improvements such as painting, shelving and display stands, as well as uniforms and marketing. Businesses that had previously received support under other council programmes were still eligible to apply.

Carrickfergus town centre

According to the report:

“The aim of the Revamp Refresh Grant was to support town centre businesses which are currently facing challenges including high rates, unaffordable rent, competition from the growth of online retailing, rising staff costs and increased operational costs.”

It had originally been anticipated that around 40 businesses would apply for the scheme. However, councillors were advised that if demand exceeded the allocated budget, a further report would be brought forward seeking additional funding.

The committee was also presented with the latest economic development report, which indicated that footfall in Larne town centre had increased by 0.3 per cent to date this year compared with the same period last year.

In contrast, Ballymena recorded a decrease of 2.5 per cent, while Carrickfergus saw a reduction of 0.4 per cent.

Main Street, Larne

In a related update, councillors were told that cosmetic improvement works are to be carried out on Dunluce Street in Larne.

The scheme will include the cleaning and painting of property façades and gable walls, treatment of downpipes and guttering, and the replacement of hoarding at a derelict gap site.

Dunluce Street, a key town centre thoroughfare, was previously closed to traffic for 18 months as a safety precaution due to the condition of a derelict building.