Phase 2 of the Out of Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Programme

We’re pleased to launch Phase 2 of the Out of Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Programme, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing the visual appeal of commercial areas beyond our town centres.

This phase will continue to revitalise out-of-town commercial areas across the Borough by offering grants of up to £4,999 to assist with a range of external improvements, including:

✔️ New signage

🎨 Painting and decorating

🏢 General façade upgrades

If you're a business or commercial property owner in an eligible area, this is a great opportunity to improve the appearance of your premises.

Application Guidance Notes 

• Download Guidance Notes

  Information about funding amounts, eligibility, exclusions and scoring criteria can be found in the Out of Town Shopfront Improvement Scheme Guidelines (pdf document).

  Please ensure you have read and understand the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Grants and Funding Policy prior to submitting an application.

• Application Process and Timeline

  This is a rolling grant process open throughout the current 2025/26 financial year. 

  Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the grant budget is exhausted.  Applications will be considered in the order they are submitted, and each will be assessed and brought to the next available Economic Development Committee meeting for approval.

  Call number	Closes	Assessment Period	Economic Development Committee	Notification of Outcome
  1	Friday 25 July 2025	August 2025	Tuesday 9 September 2025	W/C 6 October 2025
  2*	Friday 26 September 2025	October 2025	Tuesday 11 November 2025	W/C 1 Dec 2025
  3*	Friday 28 November 2025	December 2025	Tuesday 13 January 2026	W/C 2 February 2026

• Contact Us

  If you require any technical assistance or further information on the programme, please contact the relevant departments below:

  Queries	Section	Contact
  Application form and online portal.	Funding Hub	0300 123 4568
  Programme information	Regeneration Team	0300 123 4568

• Eligible Areas

  Phase 2 of the programme is open to commercial property owners and tenants within the proposed local centres of Ballyduff, Beverley Road, Cloughfern, The Diamond (Rathcoole), Jennings Park, Kings Park/Kings Crescent, Mallusk, Mayfield, Merville Garden Village, Mossley West, Richmond, Greystone and Parkhall, as identified in Appendix G of Evidence Paper 4 within the draft Antrim and Newtownabbey Local Development Plan 2030, Draft Plan Strategy.

  Businesses outside these areas are not eligible for the grant. Applicants should refer to the relevant maps in Evidence Paper 4 before submitting an application.

• Grant Information Sessions

  Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council deliver grants and funding information sessions in April, July and October to offer guidance and support to those looking to submit an application.

  Details of the next upcoming workshops and how to book.

Apply Now