£300k Investment To Boost City’s Trade

£300k Investment To Boost City’s Trade
Bow Street Mall, Lisburn

As figures show that Lisburn Square’s shop vacancy rate is more than 50 per cent, a funding package of £300,000 has been announced for a revitalisation project for in the city centre.

Lisburn Square was all about bringing in the high end boutiques to the city centre but the downturn stopped that idea in its tracks. Bow Street was also faltering in past years but seems to be holding its own again and the new investment should help the city increase footfall.

The aim of the revitalisation project is to support existing traders, promote the city as a destination for shoppers and improve the attractiveness of the shop frontages.

Announcing the new funding, Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said:

“This investment of £300,000 will complement the public realm scheme which is currently well underway and due to complete remove spring 2015.

“This funding will provide opportunities for businesses through a Business Development Programme as well as physical improvements in the form of a shop front improvement scheme.

“My Department has worked closely with Lisburn City Council, Lisburn City Centre Management Team and local traders to take this project forward.”

The funding will be invested in things including free city centre Wi-Fi and footfall counters, a shop front improvement scheme, PR and Social media marketing campaign and a traders’ development programme.