AQW 8625/22-27

Mr Justin McNulty
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Newry and Armagh

Tabled Date: 11/03/2024
Answered On Date: 21/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities what grants are available to improve the aesthetic and street appeal of our town and city centres.

Answer:

My Department provides a range of direct and indirect support to enhance and improve the physical, economic, and social appeal of our town and city centres.

In addition to the extra support for town and city centres that was provided in response to Covid-19, the Department has been and continues to deliver programmes which are designed to support the long-term viability and vitality of town and city centres.

These include Public Realm and Environmental Improvements, Revitalisation Schemes, Comprehensive Development Schemes, Urban Development Grants, Village Catalyst Grants and support for the development of Business Improvement Districts.

This represents an ongoing and significant investment in our town centres. The Department will continue to deliver these programmes subject to budget availability. The Department also helps facilitate the appeal of towns centres through legislation, such as that for Pavement Cafes and the management of event spaces.

Recently the Department has supported a new strategic approach to the regeneration of town and city centres through the work of The Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture and the Built Environment (MAG) who have created a new model for our city, town and village centres in the future through the co-production of the Living High Street Craftkit. This includes a series of tools that can facilitate engagement with communities (businesses, residents, services etc.) to co-produce, place specific Action and Delivery Plans with visions and sustainable solutions for our “Living High Streets”.

My Department also supports the Architectural Heritage Fund to deliver its ‘Harnessing Heritage’ grant programme in Northern Ireland. This provides support to communities and social enterprises to develop viable options and plans for heritage at risk, many of which are located in town and city centres.