Addressing Vacancy and Dereliction
Addressing derelict and vacant properties can lead to revitalised local economies. It has the potential to increase footfall, increase property values, and attract new businesses and residents.
In 2025, Ards and North Down Borough Council appointed McGarry Consulting to undertake a study of Vacancy and Dereliction in our rural and urban areas (excluding Bangor and Newtownards*)
- A study will be completed for each town and village, and will:
- Identify and map derelict and vacant commercial properties
- Analyse patterns of vacancy using historic information
- Explore the causes of decline
- Recommend the strategies for redevelopment by identifying various interventions (short-medium-long term) that aim to tackle vacancy and dereliction to support thriving High Streets
Have Your Say!
You have the local knowledge of your town or village, and we would appreciate if you would share your knowledge and ideas with us to help us shape our High Streets.
How to get involved:
Complete the online survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ANDDVStudy
It only takes 5-7 minutes. Closing date for responses is Sunday 22 February 2026.
Public Engagement Sessions
Three public drop in engagement sessions are being held on:
- Monday 16 February - Queen's Leisure Centre, Holywood, 5.30pm-7.30pm
- Tuesday 17 February - Comber Leisure Centre, 5.30pm-7.30pm
- Wednesday 18 February - Donaghadee Community Centre, 5.30pm-7.30pm
On Street Engagement
A team of consultants will also be out and about in our villages on Saturday 21 February conducting on-street surveys:
9.00am-9.30am | • Main Street, Carrowdore • Main Street, Groomsport • Community Park, Killinchy |
10.00am-10.30am | • Main Street, Greyabbey • Killinchy Road, Lisbane |
10.15am-10.45am
| • Main Street, Millisle |
11.15am-11.45am
| • Main Street, Ballygowan |
11.30am-12.00noon | • Main Street, Ballywalter • Main Street, Kircubbin |
1.30pm-2.00pm | • High Street, Ballyhalbert • Station Square, Helen's Bay • Market Square, Portaferry |
2.30pm-3.00pm
| • Main Street, Crawfordsburn |
2.45pm-3.15pm | • Main Road, Cloughey • Harbour Road, Portavogie |
3.30pm-4.00pm
| • Main Street, Conlig |
Urban areas: Comber, Donaghadee, Holywood
Rural areas: Ballygowan, Ballyhalbert, Ballywalter, Carrowdore, Cloughey, Conlig, Greyabbey, Groomsport, Helen's Bay & Crawfordsburn, Killinchy, Kircubbin, Lisbane & Lisbarnett, Millisle, Portavogie, Portaferr
*To view the Vacancy and Dereliction Study completed for Bangor and Newtownards in 2025, please visit Tackling Vacancy and Dereliction - Ards and North Down Borough Council
For enquiries, please contact regeneration@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
