Ards and North Down Borough Council Launches 'Empty to Energised' Pilot Grant Scheme to Revitalise High Streets

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the launch of a new Empty to Energised Pilot Grant Scheme, designed to regenerate vacant and derelict commercial properties in Bangor and Newtownards.

This initiative forms the second strand of the Supporting Thriving High Streets Programme, a £1 million investment aimed at creating safer, more attractive streetscapes, boosting footfall, and attracting new businesses to our town and city centres.

The Empty to Energised Pilot Grant Scheme and fully funded by the Council, will provide financial assistance to property owners seeking to renovate vacant premises and introduce new commercial uses. This is the first scheme of its kind in Ards and North Down and, if successful, could be extended to other towns across the Borough.

Under the scheme, applicants can access a one-off capital grant of up to £25,000 per property, covering up to 80% of renovation costs. A 20% contribution will be required from the applicant. In addition, participants will be encouraged to engage with the Council's business support services, including the Go Succeed Programme, which offers free advice, training, and support to help ensure long-term business sustainability.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

"I am delighted to be able to support the Empty to Energised pilot grant scheme for our town and city centre businesses.  The funding available will allow for tangible, practical improvements to be made to properties in the Borough. The grant will allow new spaces to open up and will bring fresh vitality to our retail centres.

"The Empty to Energised Pilot Grant Scheme will also deliver a wide range of social and economic benefits, transforming our local high streets into a more attractive place to live, work, visit and invest.  I strongly encourage all those eligible to apply for this support."

Application Details

• Opens: Monday 5 January 2026
• Closes: Monday 16 February 2026

Information Sessions

Register to attend one of our online sessions for full details and guidance on the application process:

• Wednesday 3 December 2025 - 6:00pm
• Thursday 4 December 2025 - 10:00am and 2:00pm

Registration is required. Please email emptytoenergised@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk to secure your place.

For more information, visit:
www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Supporting-Thriving-High-Streets

www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/empty-to-energised