Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Local Economic Partnership has launched two grant schemes with a combined value of £2.6 million, funded by the Department for the Economy’s Regional Balance Fund.

The funding is split between a £2 million Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant and a £600,000 Property Façade Renewal Scheme. Applications for both open on Tuesday 16 June 2026.

The larger grant targets derelict, vacant, or underutilised commercial properties in both rural and urban settlements across the district. Amounts range from £50,000 to £200,000, covering up to 50 per cent of eligible costs, with applicants required to match the public funding. Works can include structural repairs, refurbishment, conversion, upper floor reactivation, site clearance, and improvements to enable long-term occupation. The application window for this scheme closes on Tuesday 8 September.

The Property Façade Renewal Scheme concentrates on St Patrick’s Avenue in Downpatrick, selected following a 2025 condition survey as part of the Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework. Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 will support shopfront restoration and the reintroduction of traditional features, also with a 50 per cent match-funding requirement. This scheme closes to applications on Tuesday 11 August 2026.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald stated that the investment would bring vacant and underused properties back into productive use, create vibrant commercial spaces, and support economic growth. She highlighted the role of Local Economic Partnerships in improving regional balance and empowering local areas.

Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell said the grants would help revitalise commercial centres by encouraging reuse of empty buildings, supporting new and expanding businesses, and increasing footfall. He urged potential applicants to attend upcoming information sessions.

The council will publish full guidance, criteria, and details of information sessions on its website from 16 June.