LEP Launches £2.6 million Revive and Reimagine Commercial Property Grants

Exciting Funding Opportunity for Local Businesses — £2.6 Million in Commercial Property Grants Now Open

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Local Economic Partnership has launched two significant property grant schemes worth a combined £2.6 million. Both schemes will be opened for applications on Tuesday 16th June 2026.

£2 Million — Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant

This grant supports the regeneration of derelict, vacant and underutilised commercial properties across both rural and urban settlements in the district. Grants of between £50,000 and £200,000 are available, covering up to 50% of eligible costs — matched by a 50% private sector contribution.

Eligible works include structural repairs and refurbishment, conversion works, upper floor reactivation, site clearance and preparation, and improvements needed to bring properties back into long-term sustainable use.

📅 Applications close Tuesday 8th September 2026

£600,000 — Property Façade Renewal Scheme This scheme offers grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to owners and eligible leaseholders of occupied commercial premises on St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick — right on our doorstep. St Patrick’s Avenue was selected as the first area for investment following a condition survey in 2025 as part of the wider Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework. Any St Patricks Avenue businesses that are interested please get in touch.

The scheme supports the sympathetic restoration of shopfronts and, where appropriate, the reintroduction of traditional shopfront features — creating a more attractive, cohesive and vibrant commercial streetscape while respecting the street’s rich historic character. Again, 50% public funding matched by 50% private contribution.

📅 Applications close Tuesday 11th August 2026

Information sessions are being held with Council officers from the Local Economic Partnership, Planning, Building Control and Go Succeed at:

📍 Down County Museum, Downpatrick — Wednesday 17th June, 2pm – 4pm

📍 Killeavy Castle Estate, Killeavy — Tuesday 23rd June, 12noon – 2pm

Full details, guidance notes and application information will be available from Tuesday 16th June on the LEP page of the Council’s website at www.newrymournedown.org/local-economic-partnerships

If you think you or someone you know could benefit from either of these schemes, we’d strongly encourage you to attend one of the information sessions or get in touch with us at Down Business Centre — we’re here to help you navigate the opportunities available and make the most of what’s on offer.

📧 business@downbc.co.uk 📞 028 4461 6416 🌐 www.downbc.co.uk