Out of Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Programme

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

  The Shopfront Improvement Programme will be implemented in phases during the Council’s term (2023-2027), subject to the availability of funds.

  Phase 2 will focus on businesses located in: 

  Abbots Cross Antrim Road (opposite O’Neill Road junction – HHI, etc) Ballyclare Road (at Moss Road Junction – former Corner House) Ballyclare Road (Ladysmith Lane – Cheeky Cherub, etc) Ballyduff Ballynure Village, Beverley Road, Carnmoney Village,  Cloughfern,  Collinbridge (junction of Collinward Park/Antrim Road/Glengormley Park) Collinward (junction of Elmfield Road/Collinward Avenue, Newtownabbey), Doagh Road (Iceland, etc), Doagh Road (Rushpark), Doagh Road (Fernagh Road/Cloughfern Arms, etc), The Diamond (Rathcoole), Greystone,  Islandbawn (Belfast Road, Antrim), Jennings Park, Kings Park/Kings Crescent,  Mallusk, Mayfield, Merville Garden Village, Monkstown, Mossley West, New Mossley (Ballyearl Drive, Newtownabbey), Richmond, Parkgate Village, Parkhall, Toome and Woodford (junction of Woodford Road and Woodford Avenue

• 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