A thriving high street is key to boosting the potential of our towns and villages where people can socialise as well as shop. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough have a wide variety of independent businesses in our towns and villages offering a high level of service and expertise, including florists, greengrocers, butchers, charming boutiques, unique gift shops and delicious restaurants. This festive season, take a moment to rediscover and explore your local high street and contribute to its success.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper said;
“For many businesses, Christmas is their busiest time, so it’s really important we support them as much as we can. The importance of small independent businesses in our economy is highlighted by the fact that they make up over 85% of the enterprises in our Borough's town centres. Opting for local shopping ensures that funds stay within our local economy, fostering support for local jobs and communities. As you plan your Christmas shopping this year, take the chance to explore the exceptional products our towns and villages present. These businesses constitute the lifeblood of our community, and it is crucial that we back them to guarantee their ongoing presence in the years ahead”.
Investing in local towns and villages continues to be a priority for the Council, and they have already transformed shopfronts with planting, signage and other visual improvements. A wide variety of regeneration initiatives will be implemented in the future, including public realm schemes, further shopfront improvement programmes, repurposing vacant commercial buildings, and bringing new life to vacant and unused premises above shops with the Living over the Shops (LOTS) scheme.