Council’s new parklet scheme set to transform local hospitality businesses

April 8, 2021

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) has announced an exciting opportunity for local restaurants and cafés to express an interest in developing a parklet outside their premises. This initiative is part of the COVID-19 Recovery Revitalisation Scheme and will be funded by LCCC, in partnership with the Department for Communities (DfC), for businesses that do not currently have any outside space for their customers.

A parklet is an extension of the footpath, or similar area, that provides more space and amenities for people using the street or road. They offer a place to stop, rest and enjoy alfresco dining, while taking in the activities of the area. Parklets are a way of repurposing road space into people focused spaces and are usually installed in on-street parking bays.  

This is an open invitation for existing restaurants and cafés within the urban centres of Lisburn, Carryduff, Dundonald and Forestside, and the rural towns and villages within the council area with a population of more than 3,500 people, to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for review by the council.

Alderman Jim Dillon MBE, Development Committee Chairman said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local hospitality businesses. Parklets can provide a welcoming space for people to eat and drink outside. They enable social distancing, encourage more people to walk or cycle and improve the overall area. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council endeavours to support local businesses by reinvigorating the urban town centres and the funding available for parklets will help towards achieving this.”

To express an interest in developing a parklet please email melanie.finn@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday 26th April 2021 to receive an application form.  You can also call 028 9244 7542 to find out more.

Eligible submissions will be invited to support a full application to the Department for Infrastructure. Once installed, LCCC will then hand over responsibility to the successful applicant/business who will then continue to ensure the area remains safely maintained, attractive and clean for its users.