Supporting our towns & city centre – 2nd tranche of COVID-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme

November 2, 2020

The council welcomes the news of a further £11.6m (of government funding) to be invested in towns and city centres across Northern Ireland to support them in their recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

The funding will be allocated to each council as part of a practical response to the Pandemic looking at short-term solutions as well as longer term projects revitalising our towns and city centres.

Speaking about what this means for the council, Alderman Jim Dillon MBE, Development Committee Chairman, explains: “This additional funding for councils will allow us to provide another programme of business grants designed for small businesses to purchase equipment and items to ensure their business operates safely for everyone, as well as grants for renovating vacant units. 

“On top of this we will introduce initiatives that complement the Department of Infrastructure’s Blue/Green Infrastructure policy, by encouraging walking and cycling and reducing traffic emissions in our urban centres.  Looking at ways in which we can better use our open spaces and vacant premises will also be on the agenda. Our towns and city centres face long-term issues that merit tailored responses and we look forward to delivering this.”

Details of the specific funding and initiatives will be announced shortly.

The Department for Communities is delivering the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme in partnership with the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, The Department for Infrastructure and local councils.

For further information on the funding please visit: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/ministers-provide-further-ps116m-town-and-city-centre-recovery