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Living Over The Shops (LOTS) Programme

Phase Two: Ballyclare and Randalstown

Grant assistance for eligible works to renovate and repurpose a vacant or underutilised upper floor space within commercial areas for conversion to residential use.

What is LOTS?

Phase 2 of the Living Over The Shops (LOTS) scheme is now open to premises located in Ballyclare and Randalstown town centres.

The LOTS scheme is being funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and will offer selective grant assistance to eligible property owners and/or occupiers to renovate or re-purpose a vacant or under-utilised upper floor space within town centres across the Borough for conversion to primary residential use.

Creating New Residential Space

Launching Phase 2 of the Living Over The Shops (LOTS) scheme in Ballyclare and Randalstown, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly said:

“I fully support Council’s ‘Living Over The Shops’ scheme and encourage property owners in Ballyclare and Randalstown to consider applying for grant support to invest in their properties and help provide much needed residential space for local people.”

Further Details

Subject to demand and available funding, eligible property owners will be offered support for both internal and external improvements, which can include:

Installation of kitchen and bathroom facilities
External and internal painting
Access improvements (with Building Control consent)
Improved security features
Electrics and lighting
Plumbing
Installation / upgrade heating system

Grant support of up to 75% is available to property owners and/or occupiers within the town centre boundaries in the two towns. The grant rate will depend upon the number of units being created, the number of bedrooms in each unit and the total eligible project costs. Retrospective costs will not be eligible.

Scheme Objectives

Re-purposing the vacant spaces will help stimulate the re-population of local town centres and economic nodes, contribute to an increase in local housing for residents, reduce the number of vacant premises, contribute to an increase in footfall to the town centres and reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Timeframes

A call for Phase 2 applications - covering Ballyclare and Randalstown - will open from Monday 11^th November 2024 until 4.00pm on Friday 24^th January 2025.

Application Pack and Information Session

To request an application pack and Guidance Notes, please contact the Regeneration Team at LOTS@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or 0300 123 4568.

An online information session will be held on Tuesday 26^th November (evening) to provide information about the programme. To register for this event, email the Regeneration Team at LOTS@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk and a link to the meeting will be shared.

Useful Contacts

Economic Development Team

Tel: 0300 123 4568

Email Economic Development Team