Pay
Report
Apply
It looks like you're using IE11...
This browser offers limited functionality on our website. We recommend you use the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox.
Grants and funding
The Vacant to Vibrant scheme has two funding pots, one covers Belfast city centre and the other covers Belfast citywide (beyond the city centre boundary). Our city centre pot is now fully allocated. We aren't accepting applications for properties within our city centre boundary. See the map showing Belfast city centre boundary.
Applications are still open for our citywide scheme on a first-come, first-served basis until all funding is allocated.
If you are currently working on an application for the city centre, we regret we cannot accept it. You should contact us to register an expression of interest in case future funding becomes available. You can also register to receive updates on further funding for the city centre.
If you'd like to speak to us about our Vacant to Vibrant scheme or need more information, email [email protected]. We can arrange a meeting with you in-person, by telephone or online.
This map shows Belfast city centre boundary as defined in the Vacant to Vibrant scheme. The city centre boundary runs from the north side of the Westlink towards Nelson Street, cuts across the River Lagan to run behind Odyssey Arena and towards Middlepath Street. The boundary continues across the front of Short Strand, then back towards the River Lagan at Cromac Place, continuing towards McClure Street and Bradbury Place. The boundary crosses through Donegall Road, beyond City Hospital. The boundary runs north again, back towards the Westlink, to include the lower end of Grosvenor Road and follows the Westlink route back towards Peter’s Hill.
You can contact our matchmaker service to get help identifying a suitable property which could qualify for Vacant to Vibrant funding. The service supports property searches in the city centre, although city centre properties are not eligible for funding.
Our Vacant to Vibrant scheme aims to reduce vacancy, address dereliction and support local independent businesses in Belfast. The city centre scheme is closed to applications. The citywide scheme is still open to applications.
The scheme provides capital grants to incentivise and support property owners and potential occupiers in bringing vacant properties back into use in local neighbourhoods and the city centre.
The scheme also has a matchmaker service to help businesses that are seeking new premises, connect with owners who may have suitable properties available.
Applications are welcome from:
The scheme is open to applications for vacant properties in areas outside Belfast city centre.
Applications for Belfast city centre are now closed. Funding for this portion of the scheme has now been allocated.
There are three levels of capital grants available:
The grant for a vacant property depends on the floor space and the lease length.
Funding can be used for:
If a grant application is successful, the applicant must contribute a minimum of 10 per cent match funding.
We are not accepting Vacant to Vibrant applications for vacant properties in Belfast city centre. This is because all funding for this portion of the scheme has now been allocated.
To date in April 2025, we have approved 48 applicants for a Vacant to Vibrant grant in Belfast city centre. This has provided up to 139 direct employment opportunities and reanimated 23 historical buildings or buildings of interest. There were successful applications by:
These applicants restored vacant properties and transformed the spaces into new premises for their businesses, bringing diversity and vibrancy to Belfast city centre.
Following the success of our scheme in Belfast city centre, we have secured £500,000 of capital funding from the Department for Communities and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to extend our scheme to areas outside the city centre.
Capital grants are available to properties and businesses located in Belfast outside the city centre boundary.
We will award grants on a first-come, first-served basis. We will prioritise properties with significant frontage in urban centres and along arterial routes. Applications are open until all the funding has been awarded.
If you are interested in applying for a Vacant to Vibrant grant citywide, email [email protected]. We will provide an application pack, guidance notes and a checklist. We can also advise on:
We can provide advice by email, phone, video call or in-person.
Watch this one-minute, six-second video to find out how Michele International Hair and Beauty benefitted from Vacant to Vibrant funding.
Watch this one-minute, 35-second video to find out how our Vacant to Vibrant capital grant scheme has supported Bodega Bagels to renovate a vacant city centre premises to grow their business.
Watch this two-minute, 22-second video to hear about how the Vacant to Vibrant capital grant scheme supported Verona Bridal to relocate to property that was previously vacant in Belfast city centre.
Watch this one-minute, 16-seconds long video about how Vacant to Vibrant funding is helping to restore Tedford’s Sail Loft Warehouse.
Read aloud