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Living Over The Shops (LOTS) Programme

Phase Three: Crumlin and Glengormley, Opening Monday 23 June

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

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What is LOTS?

Phase three of the Living Over The Shops (LOTS) scheme is now open to premises located in Crumlin and Glengormley 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.

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Creating New Residential Space

Launching Phase three of the Living Over The Shops (LOTS) scheme in Crumlin and Glengormley, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said:

"I strongly back the Council’s ‘Living Over The Shops’ initiative and urge property owners in Crumlin and Glengormley to explore grant opportunities to enhance their properties and create much-needed housing for the local community."

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Information Sessions and Guidance Notes

You can download the guidance notes here.

Public information sessions will be held at the following venues:

If you have any queries, please contact the Regeneration Team at LOTS@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or 0300 123 4568.

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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 three applications - covering Crumlin and Glengormley - will open from Monday 23 June 2025 until 4.00pm on Friday 29 August 2025.

Useful Contacts

Economic Development Team

Tel: 0300 123 4568

Email Economic Development Team